The 110 men that make up the papal Swiss Guard are to embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred birthplace of St. Martin in Hungary in three separate groups. Martin, patron saint of the world’s soldiers, is one of the protectors of the Pope’s “armada”, along with St. Sebastian and St. Nicholas of Flüe.
Six years after their pilgrimage to Tours, in France, where Martin had been bishop, the papal Swiss Guard has decided to go to Sabaria in Pannonia, today known as Szombathely, in Hungary, where the saint was born some time between 316 and 317.
The first group to travel to the country comprised about forty men in plain clothes, plus Commander Daniel Anrig and the chaplain Mgr. Alain de Raemy. It took place from 4 to 7 July.
After going to Szombathely they stopped off in the Slovakian capital, Bratislava and in the Austrian capital, Vienna, for visits which were also of a cultural nature.
The Swiss Guards even travelled down the Danube by boat, meeting local bishops and presidential guards along the way.
A second group of men has just completed their visit too and the third group will set off on 12 July for 3 days.
This cultural pilgrimage is a rare opportunity for these men who are currently not only guarding the Vatican but the Pope’s residence in Castel Gandolfo as well.