50th International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Every year, we attend the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. For 50 years now, Militaries from around the world come together to pray for peace. This year was the 50th anniversary of the pilgrimage and the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Mother to the peasant girl, Bernadette. We were crowded in the streets with over 25,000 soldiers and their family members! It was truly awesome!

MK's favorite thing in Lourdes is the Mary water. Before we can do anything else in Lourdes, we have to go fill our bottles with Mary water. We drink the water all weekend and save some to bring home to give to our friends.



We stayed with the Heidelberg Military Community in a family-run hotel. Our room was very tiny. Literally, only one person could be standing at a time. However, we were on a pilgrimage and were grateful to have a room. Did I mention that the food was superb and served family style. And look below; this was the view from our room.


U.S. soldiers line up for the Opening Procession. Matt is in there somewhere! We've been attending the military pilgrimage for five years now and this was the largest group of Americans we had ever seen. For the first time ever, the Army sent the USAEUR Army band. On Saturday, the bands from the different countries performed in places throughout Lourdes. The Irish pipers gave impromtu performances all through streets. Truly delightful!


Soldiers marching through the streets. These are Croatians. The view is from our hotel room.


We attended Mass on Sunday in the grotto where Mary appeared to Bernadette. It was a beautiful Mass with the Irish.


I am going to be so sad when we finally move back to the States and won't have the opportunity to go Lourdes so regularly. Despite all our difficulties, we received so many graces.