Members of the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince and Monaco’s firefighters have returned from Lourdes after taking part in the 66th International Military Pilgrimage, one of the largest Catholic military gatherings in the world…
Held annually since 1958, the pilgrimage brought together around 17,000 military personnel from 40 nations during the Pentecost weekend at the famous sanctuary in the Hautes-Pyrénées, one of the world’s most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites. Monaco was represented by a delegation of 19 participants, proudly carrying the Principality’s red and white colours during the opening ceremony and major events throughout the weekend.
Alongside international ceremonies and military gatherings, the Monegasque delegation also shared private moments of prayer and reflection, including a special mass reserved for Monaco participants at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, led by the Diocese of Monaco.
Participants described the pilgrimage as a powerful moment of communion, bringing together soldiers, firefighters and military personnel united by common values of service, solidarity and faith. The event also included meetings with wounded veterans, musical celebrations and the traditional torchlight procession through Lourdes, during which thousands of soldiers marched together alongside civilian pilgrims.
Following the closing Pentecost mass, delegations returned home carrying memories of what many described as a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
Image: Monaco Info