The reception of the sacrament took place during the 65th International Military Pilgrimage, presided over by Bishop Antoine de Romanet, Bishop of the Diocese of the French Armed Forces.
Lourdes – France (19/05/2025 15:20, Gaudium Press) This past weekend, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (France) welcomed around 17,000 participants for the 65th International Military Pilgrimage. During the event, over 200 military personnel received the sacrament of Baptism.
Bringing God’s Mercy to the Military World
The Holy Mass, during which the baptismal ceremony occurred, was held in the Basilica of St. Pius X within the Sanctuary of Lourdes. On its X account, the Marian Sanctuary stated that this is “always a moving moment and the first step on a journey of Faith and conversion that leads us to Christ.”
Annually, in the month of May, the Bishop of the French Armed Forces gathers the large international military family in Lourdes, the “sentinels of peace,” according to Saint John Paul II. The event aims to bring God’s Mercy to the military world and support the wounded.
International Military Pilgrimage
This edition of the International Military Pilgrimage followed the theme “Military Personnel, Pilgrims of Hope,” and was presided over by Bishop Antoine de Romanet, Bishop of the Diocese of the French Armed Forces. The event, lasting three days (from May 16 to 18, 2025), was aimed at military personnel of all ranks and their families, offering comfort, fraternity, and hope.
The purpose of this 65th edition was to invite military personnel to reflect on the fundamental role that Faith and hope play in their lives. The pilgrimage’s program included parachute jumps by several Air Force paratroopers, as well as an international military music festival. Additionally, Holy Masses were celebrated in the Basilica, and the Holy Rosary was recited at the Grotto of the Marian Sanctuary.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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