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| Don't be fooled by the uniform - these guards are prepared to die for the Pope |
The historical primary role of the Swiss Guard is to guard the Pontiff; in fact, at the swearing in ceremony for recruits to the corps, they actually sign up to promise that they would die for the Holy Father, if the need should arise.
We see them on guard at various points around the Vatican and, at Masses and audiences they are much in evidence, tall, young and formidable despite the somewhat garish uniform.
We seldom hear of their prowess in the musical stakes but, like all good military groups, they have their own band that provides the music at many papal events and, this year, they are launching their own compilation of Christmas carols and music.
The CD 'Christmas with the Pontifical Swiss Guard' is available from www.alivepublishing.co.uk
With lots of yodelling?
ReplyDeleteStill, about those pajamas...
ReplyDelete- Mack in Texas
ReplyDeleteYodelling in one's pyjamas? They should stick to their normal roles (the Swiss ones, that is).Thank you John and Mack.
I'd love to hear the Swiss Guards sing. Men in America are such cowards when it comes to singing Church music. Ha!
ReplyDeleteI must admit I'm not fond of those uniforms, but I figure if they have the guts to wear that, they are brave enough to die for our Holy Father if need be. May they not have to again, but the ways things are going...
ReplyDeleteGod bless them and their music!
I'm not so much a coward about singing religious music as I am awful. I know that "awful" is technically a synonym for "awesome," but, yeah, really, I'm awful. When I sing, small children cry, and strong men have said my voice leads them to despair of salvation.
ReplyDeleteGod bless the Swiss Guard and their loyalty to our Holy Father!
- Mack in Texas