Overview: Join thousands in prayers for peace on the International Military Pilgrimage.   At the foot of the French Pyrenee mountains, nestled between the mountain and the Gave de Pau River is Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.  Lourdes is the birthplace of St. Bernadette Soubirous, to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabeille.  The Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes includes visits to the sanctuary and to the Basilica of St. Pius X, the world’s largest underground church.  Drink from the spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the Grotto, flowing uninterrupted since 1858.  Wash in the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have occurred.  Contemplate Christ’s Passion as you pray the unique three-dimensional Stations of the Cross.  Participate in nightly candlelight processions as requested by Our Lady.   

Lourdes today welcomes over 5 million visitors annually from over 150 countries and is an attractive and animated town.  Musical concerts are part of the weekend animation and contribute to the overall atmosphere of peace.  Explore the town’s rich historical and natural heritage and be submerged in the atmosphere that reigned during the apparitions and the spirit of brotherhood that is still present today. 

While on the return trip from Lourdes, stop in Nevers and walk “in the footsteps of Bernadette”.  The message of her life and death will light the way for your travel back home.  Experience a spiritual journey, and come home rededicated to your faith.

Day 1:  Evening departure from sites in the KMC. 

Day 2:  Meal (not included) and rest stop en route relieve the bus journey.  Your RTT guide will be available for information regarding the pilgrimage schedule.  Arrival mid-afternoon in Lourdes for hotel check in and orientation.  Purchase your Pilgrimage “pins” now for unfettered access to all the Military Pilgrimage events.  Mass for the U.S. pilgrims and the International Opening Ceremony will be held before dinner (at your hotel, included).  A music festival follows, with concerts at various locations in Lourdes, and then Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Day 3:    After breakfast (included) in your hotel, attend an English-language Mass, and a group photo for U.S. pilgrims.  Stations of the Cross and a Reconciliation Service will also be offered today.   In the late afternoon, the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction takes place.  After dinner (at your hotel, included), participate in the Marian Procession and private prayer in the St. Bernadette Church.

Day 4:  After breakfast (included) at your hotel, check out and travel through central France to Nevers – the Sanctuary of Bernadette Soubirous.  Visit the Sanctuary and hear of the Saint’s life and death.  Begin the return to points of origin in the KMC.