The international military pilgrimage brings together more than 18,000 participants from 37 countries in Lourdes. Between concerts, sporting challenges and spiritual moments, the Marian city experiences an unparalleled weekend of unity and fraternity. We present to you several highlights not to be missed for this PMI weekend.
Since this Thursday evening, soldiers from all over the world have “invaded” the Marian city. There are more than 18,000 this year (a number on the rise), representing 37 countries, to participate in the 66th international military pilgrimage (PMI), which takes place until this Sunday, May 24. “Second event in France in terms of military logistics after the July 14 parade”, the PMI is undoubtedly one of the most important and one of the most beautiful pilgrimages in Lourdes. One of the most festive too, hoping “that there will be enough beers in the bars of Lourdes” given the heat forecast for this weekend…
Beyond the spiritual times at the Sanctuary, several highlights will punctuate this weekend in the city of Lourdes. We present to you the events not to be missed from this 66th PMI.
The PMI, a special atmosphere
Unique in its kind, the PMI is a living testimony of international fraternity. “Seeing soldiers from formerly opposed nations praying together and walking side by side is a strong sign of reconciliation and unity,” indicates Mgr. Antoine de Romanet, the bishop of the French armies. This pilgrimage is truly astonishing every year because of this that it is there and its incomparable atmosphere It’s really something to experience! Besides, all the soldiers present in Lourdes are not necessarily believers or practitioners, but they come for this unique atmosphere!
For the people of Lourdais, just walking through the streets during the PMI is an experience in its own right. You will be able to meet delegations of military personnel from all over the world, each with their own outfit, and even attend musical parades.
The international military music festival
Always very appreciated by the people of Lourdais, the international military music festival is inseparable from the PMI. The meeting takes place this Saturday afternoon at different points in the city and around the Sanctuary. In detail, you can find at 2:30 p.m.: Germany (Accueil Notre-Dame), Ireland (Porte Saint-Joseph), Spain (Porte Saint-Michel), the Netherlands (3 avenue Bernadette-Soubirous) and the United Kingdom (1 boulevard Rémi-Sempé). Then, at 4 p.m.: Austria (Accueil Notre-Dame), Poland (Saint-Joseph gate), Hungary (Saint-Michel gate), Ivory Coast (3 av. Bernadette-Soubirous) and Croatia (1 bd Rémi-Sempé).
Also note the exceptional concert of the French Navy, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of its foundation, Saturday at 3 p.m. on the square of the Sacré-CÅ“ur church. You can also find the Swiss music concert from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Jardin des Tilleuls, the Italian music concert Saturday at 4 p.m. at Sainte-Bernadette Church, and the German music concert on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. at Sainte-Bernadette Church.
The international challenge for the injured and able-bodied
Saturday from 2 p.m., the Sanctuary meadow becomes the scene of the international challenge for the injured and able-bodied. Twenty-five teams of different nationalities, each made up of around ten runners pushing a joëlette where an injured person is installed, compete in joy. The challenge consists of a one-hour relay race (four laps of 1,000 m) interspersed with sporting and intellectual workshops: blowgun shooting, laser rifle shooting, boccia competition, log sawing, quizzes… An international event where team spirit and solidarity combine to change the way we look at the wounded of the armies.
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Also note, at the same time, the parachute jumping demonstration at the Sanctuary meadow.
The unmissable torchlight procession
Whether you are a believer or not, it is undoubtedly one of the most moving moments to experience in Lourdes. Even more so when it brings together thousands of pilgrims and military personnel from all over the world, united in prayer, singing the glory of the Blessed Virgin in the footsteps of Saint Bernadette… The Marian procession, or torchlight procession, of the 66th PMI takes place this Saturday, May 23 at 9 p.m. at the esplanade of the basilica Our Lady of the Rosary.
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A highlight of the pilgrimage, like the opening ceremony (Friday evening) and the international mass (Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Basilica of Saint-Pius X).
