Pope thanks Swiss Guard, bids new recruits be wary of 'spiritual attack'

[Dale_M]

Pope Benedict XVI met on May 6 with 34 new members of the Swiss Guard, and encouraged them to use their terms in Rome “to widen your cultural, linguistic, and above all spiritual horizons.”

catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=10243

Referring to the “infamous Sack of Rome, during which the Swiss Guards valiantly defended the Pope, even giving their lives for him”, the pope said that “the memory of that earthly pillage makes us reflect that there exists the threat of an even more dangerous pillage, one that can be called a spiritual attack. In today’s social context, many youth run the risk of falling into an progressive impoverishment of the soul because they are chasing after the ideals and perspectives of a superficial life that only seeks to fulfill material needs and demands”.

“Act so that your time in Rome”, he continued, “be a propitious time for you to make the most of the innumerable possibilities that this city offers in order to give an ever more solid and profound meaning to your lives. … Take advantage of the opportunities offered you to widen your cultural, linguistic, and above all spiritual horizons. The time that you will spend in the ‘Eternal City’ will be an exceptional moment in your lives. Live it with a spirit of sincere fraternity, mutually helping one another to live an exemplary Christian life that corresponds to your faith and your unique mission in the Church”.

visnews-en.blogspot.com/2011/05/swiss-guards-witness-to-faith-through.html

Video from the swearing-in ceremony:
romereports.com/palio/New-recruits-of-Swiss-Guard-sworn-in-to-defend-pope-english-4089.html

I think it is nice that Pope Benedict took the time to attend the ceremony, give his thanks for their service, and offer some spiritual guidance.