Filipino among new Pontifical Swiss Guard recruits

MANILA – A 24-year-old Filipino was among the 23 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican.

An article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Monday, May 8 said the Davao City-born Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota together with the other new Swiss Guards joined their ranks in an elaborate swearing-in ceremony at the Courtyard of Saint Damasus on Saturday in Rome.

The men were also joined by their families and delegates of the Swiss Confederation and Swiss Bishops.

The ceremony is held every May 6 to commemorate the heroic sacrifice of 147 Swiss Guards who died protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Prior to the ceremony, the new Swiss Guards celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a meeting with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace.