The 60th International Military Pilgrimage

By Lookout on Nov 10, 2017 with Comments 0

Canadian Pilgrims at the 59th International Military Pilgrimage at Lourdes, France, enjoyed friendly sports competition with other nations. Photo by Sgt George Jones, Army Public Affairs

DND ~

The 60th International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France will be held May 18-20, 2018. Over 12,000 military members from over 40 countries will be represented. Canada has sent a delegation of pilgrims to this event for many years.

The International Military Pilgrimage is an ecumenical and interfaith event. CAF members and veterans (Regular Force and Reservists) are welcome to attend whether healthy, wounded, ill or injured. Those who are motivated by a personal spirituality to participate are encouraged to apply.

Funding is available from a variety of sources, including Support our Troops, to support serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and veterans to take part in this unique opportunity.

ABOUT THE PILGRIMAGE
At the end of the Second World War, Lourdes was a place where French and German soldiers sought to physically and spiritually heal together. The first International Military Pilgrimage was held in 1958. Forty-two other nations have since joined in this act of healing and reconciliation.

Lourdes is a very famous and frequently visited pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics and for people from many other faiths and spiritual experiences. It is visited by people seeking healing and renewal.

Activities at the Pilgrimage include worship opportunities, a parade through the town of Lourdes culminating in a ceremony at the local war memorial, a candle light vigil, a visit to the baths for immersion in the healing waters of the Lourdes site and a sports afternoon involving a friendly competition among the different nations.

In Esquimalt, you can access further info or an application form by contacting the Senior Fleet Chaplain, Padre Jeannine Friesen at Jeannine.Friesen2@forces.gc.ca or Padre Joachim Nnanna at Joachim.Nnanna@forces.gc.ca. Application deadline is Nov. 24.