Pope Francis Quotes Mother Teresa Saying We Will be Judged ".. for how much love we have put into those things." to Swiss Guard

GREETING OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
TO THE PONTIFICAL SWISS GUARDS,
ON THE OCCASION OF THE OATH OF THE NEW RECRUITS

Friday, 2 October 2020

Mr. Commander,
Reverend Chaplain,
Dear officers and members of the Swiss Guard!

I am happy to meet you on this day of celebration. I address a cordial greeting to the new recruits who, following the example of many of their compatriots, have chosen to dedicate a period of their youth to the service of the Successor of Peter. The presence of your family members expresses the devotion of Swiss Catholics to the Holy See, as well as the moral education and good example with which parents have transmitted to their children the Christian faith and the sense of generous service to others. My grateful greeting also goes to the representatives of the Foundation for the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

Today offers me the opportunity to recall your Body's illustrious past. Our thoughts go, in particular, to the "Sack of Rome", which saw the Swiss guards courageously defend the Pope, to the point of giving their lives. The memory of that event may evoke in you the danger of a spiritual "pillage". In the current social context, many young people run the risk of having their souls stripped, when they follow ideals and lifestyles that respond only to material desires or needs.

My hope is that your stay in Rome constitutes a favorable time to make the most of what this city offers you. It is rich in history, culture and faith; therefore take advantage of the opportunities offered to you to strengthen your cultural, linguistic and spiritual background. The time you will spend here is a unique moment in your existence: may you live it with a spirit of brotherhood, helping one another to lead a life rich in meaning and joyfully Christian.

May the oath you take the day after tomorrow also be a testimony of fidelity to your baptismal vocation, that is, to Christ, who calls you to be men and Christians, protagonists of your existence. With his help and with the power of the Holy Spirit, you will calmly face the obstacles and challenges of life. Do not forget that the Lord is always at your side: I sincerely wish you to always feel his consoling presence.

I take this opportunity to renew the expression of my gratitude to the entire Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps. And I thank you not only for what you do - which is a lot! - but also how you do it. Saint Teresa of Calcutta said that at the end of life we ​​will not be judged for how many things we have done, but for how much love we have put into those things.

I assure you of my prayers for all your good intentions; and you too, please, pray for me. To all of you, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing.