Appointed as the new chaplain of the Swiss Guard at the end of last August, Father Kolumban Reichlin told us a little about his experience so far.
(Newsdesk 08/11/2021 14:20, Gaudium Press) Officially invested in his duties on October 16, Father Kolumban is to remain chaplain of the Swiss Guard for the next five years.
Originally from the Swiss canton of Schwyz, the new chaplain of the Swiss Guards entered the Benedictine monastery of Einsiedeln in 1991. He studied theology in the United States and was ordained a priest in 1997 in Einsiedeln. In the monastery he was responsible among other things for pilgrimages.
Fr. Kolumban admits that he is new to the role, but says that there is a good atmosphere, like one big family.
As chaplain, he is responsible for the religious education of the soldiers and their families, as well as all religious support, such as Masses, sacraments, etc.
About the families of the Swiss Guards, the priest explained that he is in charge of the pastoral care of 22 families of the Swiss Guards. Therefore, it is his job to teach the catechism, baptize the children, administer the sacraments.
One-on-one conversations with the soldiers is also a daily habit of the chaplain. “It is customary on the weekend, when there are fewer people, for the chaplain to go to the posts and talk to the guards. If they are standing or sitting anywhere, alone for hours, it’s a good time to talk. To hear what they are thinking, their plans,” the priest explained.
The chaplain must also organize cultural activities, as well as pilgrimages to Assisi, Loreto, or the annual pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Lourdes. Fr. Kolumban explained that in general the pilgrimages take place in three different groups so as not to shorten the staff. But the occasion is very favorable for people to get to know each other better through conviviality and conversation.
Father Kolumban has plans to visit the Vatican dicasteries with the Swiss Guards to get a deeper insight into the work of the Church.
With information from Catho.ch
Compiled by Roberta MacEwan
