Defence force members and families share the experience of the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Pilgrims visit Lourdes, a small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees in France where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a local teenager, Bernadette Soubirous, in 1858.
An important Marian shrine Lourdes is recognised internationally as a site of pilgrimage and prayer. Every year hundreds of Irish people travel there joining thousands from all over the world.
Members of the Defence Forces participate annually in the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes. The Irish group were part of the 20,000 soldiers representing fourteen countries. The theme of the pilgrimage this year is peace.
A spirit of friendship and goodwill is tangible in Lourdes, where care for the sick and disabled is prioritised and everyone helps each other out. There is also plenty of time for young people to socialise.
One pilgrim who is there with her husband and sons explains that even though Lourdes can be filled with thousands of people, the spiritual aspect is respected.
The peace that is Lourdes is inside the grotto.
Father Steve is a Catholic chaplain with the British Army and previously served in Northern Ireland for two years. He has seen camaraderie and respect blossom between soldiers who on opposing sides of international conflicts.
Another priest who has been coming to Lourdes for many years has experienced it as a place of reconciliation.
Half a century ago Europe was at war, but today in Lourdes soldiers are marching, praying and socialising together in this place of pilgrimage. The peace that descends seems to change attitudes, change hearts.
'An Army Of Prayer’ broadcast on 17 July 1992. The reporter is Derek Mooney.
