The Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes, in the service of peace

A unique event born out of reconciliation

The International Military Pilgrimage (PMI) was founded in 1958 by the French and German military chaplaincies, in the context of post-Second World War reconstruction. Originally, it was a pilgrimage of peace between former enemies, united by faith and the memory of conflict.

Gradually, the PMI opened up to other nations and became an annual event in Lourdes, a universal Marian shrine. The aim? To promote brotherhood among the armed forces, pray for peace, and offer a time of spiritual renewal for soldiers, whether active, wounded or retired.

PMI 2025: the 65th edition in Lourdes

The 65th edition of the PMI took place from 16 to 18 May 2025. More than 15,000 military personnel from 41 countries converged on Lourdes to experience this time of peace, prayer and hope together. The programme included military ceremonies, prayers, songs and moments of sharing:

• Opening with an international Mass and flag ceremony
• Way of the Cross, Eucharistic adoration and prayer vigils
• Marian torchlight procession and individual blessings
• Parade of marching bands and moments of fraternisation between delegations

Testimony: a military pilgrimage close to the heart

"I am Staff Sergeant Laurent D., 15 years of service, veteran of overseas operations. This pilgrimage to Lourdes is my third. I came for the first time after being wounded, on the advice of a chaplain. I found more than just peace there: I found true meaning in my mission. Every time I pray before the Virgin Mary, I remember my brothers in arms who fell in combat. I leave with peace in my heart. And I always keep my military rosary in my bag, like an invisible presence."

Lourdes and the faith of the armed forces

Lourdes is the Marian site par excellence. For military personnel, it is a sanctuary that transcends borders. The figure of the Virgin Mary, universal Mother, embodies maternal tenderness, protection and intercession for those wounded in body and soul.

Military chaplains play a central role in accompanying pilgrims: listening, administering the sacraments, hearing confessions, and celebrating Mass in multiple languages. The PMI is a time when uniforms are set aside to make way for unity of hearts.

Religious objects from the PMI: meaningful souvenirs

Every soldier leaves Lourdes with one or more symbolic objects:

• Military rosaries: sturdy, discreet, blessed in Lourdes
• Religious medals: notably the Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, or Saint Joan of Arc
• Insignia or crosses personalised according to the armed forces

These items are available in our shop Palais du Rosaire. They allow you to maintain a spiritual connection with Lourdes, even when you are away.

Towards PMI 2026

The next edition of the PMI will take place in May 2026 in Lourdes. The exact dates will be announced by the military chaplaincies and the sanctuary. For military personnel or their loved ones who wish to prepare for this event, now is the time to discover our military religious items at Palais du Rosaire.

Prayer for military personnel

Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes,
You who welcome pilgrims from all over the world,
Be the refuge of those who wear the uniform,
Protect soldiers committed to peace,
Comfort the wounded, families and widows,
And intercede with your Son so that peace may triumph. Amen.

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