Swiss Guard attend Mass to mark anniversary of Sack of Rome

(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Swiss Guard on Friday began the day of their annual swearing in ceremony by attending a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

New Guards are sworn in on May 6, since on that date in 1527 the Swiss Guard protected Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome. During the battle, 147 members of the Guard lost their lives.

During his homily, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said “such a heroic death…would not have been possible without faith in the Lord of Life.”

“Sustained by this faith in the Risen Jesus and strengthened by the experience of joy that the Lord gives life in fullness, I invite you, dear Guards, to have the courage to be witnesses in the world today, despite the difficulties,” Cardinal Parolin said.

“Be witnesses of Christ - even in your own homeland, Switzerland - and in a world that desires light and life but often does not have the courage to accept it, in the midst of your young peers, who hunger for meaning and fulfillment, so that you may tell them that it is worth proposing great and beautiful things, although this involves commitment, dedication and will require some toil,” he said.