Lourdes: Military pilgrimage a 'rally for peace'

Source: Lourdes

The 60th International Military Pilgrimage (IMP) will be held in Lourdes from 18th to 20th May 2018. It will be on the theme: Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth). The International Military Pilgrimage of Lourdes is a rally for peace. This event is the only one of its kind and brings together uniformed personnel from more than 40 nations. Its goal: to work and pray for peace.

The first ever International Military Pilgrimage took place in June 1958. It brought together 40,000 pilgrims from 11 countries. The bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, Bishop Théas declared: "In spite of the differences of languages, of countries, of traditions, you are all brothers!" For the PMI in 2017, Pope Francis wrote to those taking part: "In these troubled times, it is essential to remember that peace is a gift for which men must never stop asking".

On Sunday 20th May, the International Mass for the IMP 2018 will be broadcast live on TV Lourdes, the Sanctuary's internet TV, from 9.30am. A statement from the Shrine says: 'Let us be united in prayer with pilgrims of the IMP: together, with the grace of God, let us become builders of peace. In a few days, you will be able to join this event for peace by leaving olive branches at the Grotto.

LINK

Sanctuary of Lourdes - www.lourdes-france.org/en