The 64th International Soldiers’ Pilgrimage to Lourdes was held under the motto “Come here in community”. From May 22 to 27, an Austrian delegation consisting of 400 pilgrims led by Military Bishop Werner Freistetter (-> Interview with military bishop Werner Freistetter) took part in the pilgrimage. The main purpose of the pilgrimage is to pray together for peace, but the exchange between the soldiers is also of great importance.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner was impressed by the annual pilgrimage: “Last year (-> 63rd International Soldiers’ Pilgrimage to Lourdes) to see the soldiers’ pilgrimage in Lourdes for myself and found it to be a special place for encounters, reflection and pause. Soldiers from all over the world and from different cultures come together to pray for peace and togetherness. This strengthens the relationships between the soldiers and also promotes the international exchange of experiences.”
Military Bishop Werner Freistetter expressed similar sentiments: “During their participation in the International Soldiers’ Pilgrimage to Lourdes, the soldiers experience a unique atmosphere of community and peace that transcends national borders. Faith and spirituality unite people of different nationalities and cultures in a special way. The international exchange gives them the opportunity to gain new perspectives on the diverse challenges of everyday life as a soldier.”
The pilgrimage was originally founded in 1958 as a joint peace initiative by French and German soldiers who wanted to overcome existing differences through their shared faith. Since its foundation, an Austrian delegation has continuously taken part in this pilgrimage. Every year, an average of several hundred participants from Austria make their way to Lourdes. Today, the pilgrimage is the largest peace rally of soldiers in the European armies.
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