Your Excellency Alain de Raemy, what are the most important material and spiritual problems afflicting the Diocese of Lugano?
«The Diocese of Lugano it is not an afflicted Diocese; it is a happily alive Diocese! Of course, there are still many potentialities to be developed. To give an example in this regard, one thing we are working on is the ways of our presence in hospitals and elderly homes. Here, preparation for service in these structures could be improved by providing more training to the people involved. However, to do this you need money! Here, then, is the material problem. But I'm sure there's a lot of generosity: we'll find a solution."
You were formerly chaplain of the Pontifical Swiss Guard in the Vatican. What do you remember of that experience and of her life in the city of Rome?
“First of all, I recall the many young Swiss who generously commit themselves to the service of the Pope for at least two years. Their life is forever marked by this experience of service, camaraderie and faith discovered, rediscovered or, at least, glimpsed… Just recently, a group of recruits carried out part of their training at the Cantonal Police in Ticino. I already know that Rome will become like a second homeland for them, but with Ticino in their hearts!»
Within the Swiss Bishops' Conference you are responsible for the departments of youth, media, and military chaplains. In particular, what interventions do you deem necessary to promote to accompany young people in their growth process?
«For example, the participation of young people in World Youth Day which is a school of life in the Church, but also for the Church. On these occasions, thousands and thousands of young people from all over the world discover how much their faith is a leaven of unity, peace and joy, even when one does not understand even a single word of the other's language. But this also applies to everyone else in the Church; the testimony of simplicity of young people is a strong call to greater coherence of life".
You are also president of the Commission for dialogue with Muslims. What is the state of relations with this community in Ticino?
“Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to meet them yet. It's just a shortcoming! Thank you for the question, which pushes me to open a dialogue ».
Broadening your gaze, what do you think the role of the Church should be in the face of wars, crises and international tensions that are upsetting the contemporary world?
«The Church can only adopt the ways of Jesus, and Jesus entered into dialogue with everyone. In fact, he declared peacemakers blessed. The Catholic Community of Sant'Egidio, for example, has already managed to convince many enemies to gather around a table for dialogue. Every Christian is called to do it everywhere, from his family to his workplace. He helps a lot to start the day by asking Jesus to inspire us with all that, and only that, which contributes to peace in hearts and in relationships".
