The International Military Pilgrimage in Lourdes

Every May, the international military family gathers in Lourdes. The International Military Pilgrimage, also known as PMI, is the second largest military event in France. It is one of the most important in the world.

History of the International Military Pilgrimage

The beginnings of the PMI

In 1945, Jules Saliège, Archbishop of Toulouse, asked Father Besombes to organise a gathering of military personnel in Lourdes for those wounded in the recent fighting and to thank the soldiers. From its inception, this pilgrimage was a success. Only 2 years after its creation, it became a national pilgrimage.

This military pilgrimage quickly gave way to a perspective of Franco-German reconciliation.

In 1956, relations with the French and German chaplaincies increased. These armies, which had been fighting each other not so long before, formed friendships during the pilgrimage.

The first international military pilgrimage

Two years later, on 6 February 1958, the chaplains from Belgium, Canada, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, the United States and France decided on the modalities of participation in the first International Military Pilgrimage, which took place from Friday 13 June to Monday 16 June 1958. This first PMI gathered more than 40,000 pilgrims from 11 different countries. Since 1958, the International Military Pilgrimage has been an act of fraternity between peoples, of support for the wounded and of the spirituality of armies.

Since then, the PMI in Lourdes has become an international pilgrimage of prayer for peace and reconciliation.

Today, the International Military Pilgrimage brings together over 12,000 uniformed military personnel from more than 40 nations each year. For three days in normal times, the streets of Lourdes are alive with bands, parades and processions. It is one of the largest and most important pilgrimages that take place in Lourdes.

The 2021 web-pilgrimage

The International Military Pilgrimage is a major gathering for the Catholic military chaplaincy. It is a spiritual, festive and fraternal pilgrimage for all brothers in arms.

This year, it took place in the form of a live web-pilgrimage from Lourdes from 21 to 23 May 2021 in a format adapted to health measures.

About a hundred French military personnel had the chance to physically participate in the pilgrimage to live and share the celebrations of this pilgrimage via social networks and the internet.

Why participate in the PMI?

The International Military Pilgrimage is a way to get closer to Christ, to step back from military missions and to refocus on the essential. It is also an opportunity to meet soldiers from all over the world, to build relationships and to create beautiful friendships during these three days. The PMI is also a moment of solidarity with wounded soldiers and brothers in arms. From the beginning, the PMI has had the ambition to reconcile enemies and to pray together for peace. It is a way for soldiers from different countries to make peace and communicate.

In addition, each year more than 50 adults are baptized and 100 pilgrims are confirmed during the International Military Pilgrimage. It is a moving, touching and significant moment for all pilgrims.

The pilgrimage is organised by the Order of Malta, the Association Nationale des Croix de Guerre and the Union Nationale des Parachutistes, with the support of the French army. Each year the pilgrimage has a specific theme, which is developed in the religious celebrations, conferences and testimonies.

Course of the pilgrimage

The International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes lasts four days and includes many spiritual and cultural activities. Soldiers take part in religious celebrations, processions, times of meditation and confessions. They also attend conferences on themes such as peace, solidarity and brotherhood.

The pilgrimage also includes times of relaxation, such as concerts and dance performances. The soldiers also have the opportunity to visit the sanctuaries of Lourdes and the museums that tell the history of the city and the region.

A moment of fraternity

The International Military Pilgrimage of Lourdes is a moment of fraternity between soldiers from all over the world. The soldiers are welcomed in Lourdes with warmth and kindness by the inhabitants of the town and the volunteers who accompany them throughout their stay.

During the pilgrimage, the soldiers exchange with comrades from different countries and cultures. They learn about the traditions and lifestyles of other soldiers, which promotes understanding and tolerance between peoples.

Accompanying soldiers on their pilgrimage

In our Christian shop, we are proud to offer a selection of products that can accompany soldiers on their pilgrimage to Lourdes. We have rosaries, medals, statues and books that can help them deepen their faith and live their pilgrimage in a spiritual way.

The pilgrimage is a strong moment of sharing and exchange between soldiers from different countries, which allows them to discover other cultures and to develop their open-mindedness. 

What is the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes?

The International Military Pilgrimage of Lourdes is an annual event that brings together thousands of military pilgrims from different countries around the world. It is a moment of prayer, reflection and communion between soldiers of all nationalities and Christian denominations.

When was the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes created?

The pilgrimage was created in 1958 to allow soldiers to recharge their batteries spiritually after the horrors of the Second World War.

Who organises the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes?

The pilgrimage is organised by the Order of Malta, the Association Nationale des Croix de Guerre and the Union Nationale des Parachutistes, with the support of the French army.

How does the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes work?

The pilgrimage lasts four days and includes many spiritual and cultural activities. The soldiers take part in religious celebrations, processions, times of meditation and confessions. They also attend conferences on themes such as peace, solidarity and brotherhood. The pilgrimage also includes times of relaxation, such as concerts and dance performances. The soldiers also have the opportunity to visit the sanctuaries of Lourdes and the museums that tell the history of the city and the region.

How can I accompany the soldiers on their pilgrimage?

In our Christian shop we offer a selection of products such as rosaries, medals, statues and books that can accompany soldiers on their pilgrimage to Lourdes. We also offer devotional items such as rosaries and candles, which can help them to meditate in the holy places of Lourdes.

What does the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes do for soldiers?

The International Military Pilgrimage of Lourdes is a moment of fraternity between soldiers from all over the world. Soldiers exchange with comrades from different countries and cultures, discovering the traditions and ways of life of other soldiers, thus promoting understanding and tolerance between peoples. The pilgrimage also allows soldiers to recharge their batteries.