Ukrainian Representatives Participate in the 64th International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes
On May 24–26, the 64th International Military Pilgrimage was held in Lourdes, France, with military personnel from 41 countries participating.
This was reported by the press center of the UGCC Department of Military Chaplaincy.
Traditionally, a delegation from Ukraine, led by Bishop Mykhailo Koltun, head of the UGCC Military Chaplaincy Department, joined the international prayer for peace. The group included representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Military Chaplaincy Service of the National Guard of Ukraine, families of fallen heroes, wounded soldiers, cadets, and military chaplains.
The pilgrimage was held under the slogan “Let us come to the feet of the Virgin Mary in procession!” In his spiritual address to the pilgrims, Bishop Mykhailo emphasized: “Today we pray here, at the feet of the Virgin Mary, for the healing of our wounds, victory, and just peace. We pray for our future.”
During the concluding ceremony of the pilgrimage, the military chaplain, Fr. Rostyslav Vysochan, thanked all the organizers for the annual invitation extended to representatives of Ukraine: “Our presence on this pilgrimage over the past three years has been tremendously important to us. Thank you for your prayers, support, friendship, fraternity, and the sense of solidarity we experience here. We believe that our common prayer for Ukraine and peace in the world will bring us a long-awaited victory.”
This year, as in the previous two years, special attention was given to Ukraine and its representatives during the pilgrimage to the Marian town of Lourdes. Particularly, the flag procession during the opening ceremony was led by Ukrainian soldiers carrying a yellow and blue flag. All participants of the pilgrimage showed great respect for the representatives of Ukraine and expressed gratitude for their perseverance in the struggle for freedom and the defense of truth.
The UGCC Department for Information
