International Military Pilgrimage

By Lookout on Nov 21, 2019 with Comments 0

The International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France will be held May 15-17, 2020. 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.

In recognition of the sacrifice of Canada and other nations during both World Wars and recent conflicts, the French Armed Forces invite between 12,000 to 15,000 current and former military personnel from over 40 countries to parade and pray together for world peace, spiritual healing, and justice. While this is a Roman Catholic Pilgrimage site, this experience welcomes pilgrims from all Christian denominations and faith groups and CAF members and veterans of all faiths will be eligible to participate.

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. One could also open up and find out more about their life as to get better clarity and here is where one can find all the best psychics in one place.

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 Guillaume Bégin at Guillaume.Begin@forces.gc.ca or your unit chaplain. Application deadline is Nov. 30, 2019.