Opening of 61st International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The formal parade of orchestras, flags and delegations of ca 40 countries in the Basilica of St. Pous X in Lourdes on 17 May 2019 opened the 61st international military pilgrimage (P.M.I.).
The opening ceremony was attended by the Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević alongside the defence ministers of Italy. Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina and a number of senior delegations of the participant countries.
The pilgrims were addressed by the Military Bishop of France Mons. Antoine de Romanet, before lighting the candle and opening the 61st International Military Pilgrimage.
The Pilgrimage gathered ca 12, 000 soldiers and policemen from all over the world, among whom 820 Croatian pilgrims. The 27th Croatian Military Pilgrimage was commanded by the Commander of the Croatian Air Force Brigadier General Mato Mikić.
The opening ceremony was followed by the Evening of Conciliation and Confession in the Basilic, this year organised by the Republic of Croatia; co-recited by the Military Bishop of Croatia and the Bishop of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mons. Tomo Vukšić.
A holy mass was served for military pilgrims from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Basilica of Ste Bernadette on 18 May 2019, recited by Bishop Vukšić.
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