SWISS SWORN IN

Attend the Vatican Square on the 6th of May and you can be a part of a tradition born out of love and devotion. This is the swearing-in of the Vatican’s newest and unique Swiss Guard recruits.

Since the attack on Rome on 6 May 1527, every year on this date, not only are new recruits welcomed to the elite world of Guarding the Pope, but it is also a time to honour the 147 Swiss Guards that over 500 years ago died defending Pope Clemente VII. In fact, on 6 May 2006, the Vatican celebrated a mass that outlined the fall. This mass celebrated 500 years of the Swiss Guard. You can read the mass at http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20060506_swiss-guard_en.html

What is extremely interesting though, is that to be a part of this elite group, you need not apply if you are not Swiss. A few other particulars that your resume must address are:-

1. You need to be at least 19 year of age (and no more than 30!);
2. Stand at 174cm tall as a minimum;
3. Not have any facial hair whatsoever; and
4. You must be single!

You must have also undergone some sort of special forces training and according to the Catholic News Service, this is so that you can be ready at a moment’s notice to ‘sacrifice your life for the Pope’. If you fall in to the above category, make sure you attend http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1507569 to see what other 'special skills' are needed before you make that all important call.

So ... you have Swiss Guards protecting a German Pope – Pope Benedict XVI on Italian soil.

However, what stood out the most for me is the Salute the Swiss Guards give once they have been sworn in. They raise their right arm and instead of the victory sign, raise an extra finger ... actually, it’s their thumb. So are they telling us something related to the number three?

When I asked one of the many locals there at the Ceremony exactly what the three-fingered salute stood for, at first I was given a look which said in so many ways ... 'and why wouldn't you know that?' Eventually the lady informed me that the salute signifies the Holy Trinity.

You can read all about the history of this very fancy and honorary tradition at:-

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/swiss.htm

I can highly recommend attending the ceremony. Be a part of a very unique tradition. The ceremony is not only colourful, but it is also very entertaining.