Our faith is so amazing! Have you ever taken the time to watch videos, read books, listen to podcasts about our faith? There is always something to learn! I love learning about, not only the theology and history of the faith, but of the small little interesting facts that most people don’t even think about. Like why do the Swiss guard the Pope.
One of my favorite podcasts to listen to about the Catholic faith is called The Catholic Talk Show. I watch their videos on YouTube or at catholictalkshow.com, because their conversations are so engaging and educational. It was through one of their videos that I found out more about the Swiss Guard.
Back in the Middle Ages, the election and selection of the pope was very political, and who became the next pope was based on who the powerful families were at the time, and how much sway they could have over the new pope. It could also be very difficult for the pope to find loyal people to protect him if they came from countries with allegiances to other countries.
Switzerland is a Catholic country, and it has always been a neutral country. They didn’t form allegiances with anyone, making them unbiased when it came to politics. In 1506, Pope Julian II established the Swiss Guard because he knew that he wouldn’t have to worry about his guards changing alliances while protecting him. He knew that he could trust them.
Leonardo da Vinci (or Michelangelo, depending on what sources you use) designed the Swiss Guard’s uniforms, which I think is absolutely incredible. And the Swiss Guard still protects the pope today. Just a small nugget about our church’s history for you!
There are so many small, little things about our faith that make it special! Did you know that in Louisiana, USA, you can eat alligator on Fridays during Lent? Or that there are only 7 women in the whole world that are allowed to wear white while meeting the pope? Or that in the bible, St. Paul gave a sermon so boring that a man fell over and died, and that after Paul brought him back to life, he kept on talking until early the next morning? Or what about the fact that coffee is a popular drink today because of Pope Clement VIII?
Not only is our faith rich in tradition, history and theology, but we also have so many little, interesting facts that make the Catholic church so amazing! Where would the world be without the Catholic faith? I, for one, am proud to be a Catholic!
~ Noëlle, Youth Ministry Coordinator
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