The Star Singers: in Rome for the Mass with the Pope on January 1st

We were able to understand, from what we saw on television, the importance of this great moment for Lukas, originally from Herisau (AR). Together with Ines and Nils from Germany, he approached the altar of St. Peter's Basilica with a joyful smile, but at the same time with reverence, as he prepared the gifts to be brought to the altar for the offertory. Dressed in their costumes and glittering crowns, the three Star Singers attended New Year's Eve Mass with Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on January 1st.

"It was a special moment for me. At first I was very excited, but then I felt almost like a real 'king', Pope Francis even shook hands with us", Lukas said shortly after the end of the mass in St. Peter's Basilica. Erwin Tanner-Tiziani, national director of the Swiss Pontifical Mission Societies, known as Missio Switzerland, added: "As soon as Pope Francis saw these children enter St. Peter's Basilica, the serious features of his face transformed into joy". In addition to Lukas, Annina, Melanie and Louis from the Saints Peter and Paul parish in Herisau (AR) in the diocese of St. Gallen also represented the Swiss Star Singers in Rome on the first day of the New Year.

The Star Singers in Rome

In addition to the Swiss Star Singers, 19 other Star Singers from Germany, Austria, Slovakia, South Tyrol and Hungary came to Rome for the end of the year.

In particular, the Swiss delegation visited the Pontifical Swiss Guard, and also enjoyed a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens and celebrated Holy Mass in their company. They also brought blessings to the Swiss Embassy at the Holy See, met with Cardinal Kurt Koch and visited the headquarters of the Pontifical Mission Societies.