Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila praised Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota, the second Filipino to join the Swiss Guards, saying his service is “proof of the extensive missionary work of Filipinos in the Church.”
The prelate said Eviota’s inclusion among those protecting the leader of the Catholic Church is a testament to the wide-ranging missionary work of Filipinos.
“Truly, wherever there are Filipinos, the Church is so much vibrant there,” said the prelate in an inteview over Church-run Radio Veritas 846.
The archbishop recognized Eviota’s close connection to the Church, as he had been actively involved in Church activities in the Philippines before joining the Swiss Guards.
In 2009, Eviota, whose parents hail from the southern Philippies, moved to Switzerland and became a member of the Youth for Christ.
Aside from Eviota, Swiss-Filipino Vincent Luthi, whose mother hails from Cebu, became the first Filipino to be part of the pope security team.
The cardinal acknowledged the sacrifices made by Filipinos working abroad for their families and praised their role as bearers of the good news in the communities they belong to.
“They are not just earning a living; our fellow countrymen are modern missionaries across the seas,” said Cardinal Advincula.
He noted that the recently concluded celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines focused on the theme “Gifted to Give,” challenging every baptized Christian to participate in the mission of spreading and strengthening the Christian faith.
Cardinal Advincula said Eviota and Luthi serve as examples of Filipinos who remain active in mission work in different parts of the world.
The appointment of 23 new Swiss Guards took place on May 6, 2023, at the Courtyard of Saint Damasus in the Vatican. The event coincided with the commemoration of the heroism of the 147 Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527.
