They will be greeted in Rome on May 4th by local authorities before proceeding to the Vatican to receive a blessing from the Pope.
The major celebration of the fifth centenary will commence on May 6th with a commemorative Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, in which, a wreath of flowers will be laid in the Square of the Protomartyrs recalling fellow Swiss, who fell during the 1527 sack of Rome.
Then, at 4.30 p.m. in the Square, new Guard recruits will be sworn in, following with annual tradition. This year however, will mark the first time that the swearing-in ceremony has been held in St. Peter’s Square, not the San Damasco courtyard as is customary.
That evening, the day will conclude with a fireworks display over Castel Sant'Angelo.
In addition to a number of musical concerts scheduled for May in honor of the Guard--including one by the Swiss Army Concert Band on the 7th--a series of commemorative stamps honoring the 500th anniversary will also be issued.
Pier Paolo Francini, head of the Philatelic and Numismatic Office of the Governorate of Vatican City explained details of the Vatican stamps, recalling that this “is the first time that a series of stamps has been jointly issued by Switzerland and Vatican City."
The stamps have been designed by the Swiss artist Rudolf Mirer, himself a former Swiss Guard.
Francini also announced the coining of a Swiss Guard commemorative coin, valued at two euros, and scheduled to be released during the first six months of 2006.
Colonel Mader also noted that the Swiss Confederation itself has issued a gold coin to commemorate the anniversary, also designed by Rudolf Mirer.
Two more coins are scheduled to be minted in honor of the April pilgrimage from Switzerland including one in gold with the image of Pope Julius II, and another in silver, emblazoned with the image of Pope Benedict XVI.
In addition, the colonel pointed out that an official Vatican medal will be produced and given to current members of the Swiss Guard in honor of their service to the Holy See.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter