Application deadline fast approaching for military pilgrimage to Lourdes, France
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This is the final week for wounded or disabled U.S. Military personnel to apply for the Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage, an all-expenses-paid spiritual journey to Lourdes, France, May 13-19, 2014. Applications from wounded or disabled military personnel and their companion-caregivers are due this Friday, January 24, 2014. Essential companion-caregivers may be offered needs-based financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. Applications from volunteers are due by January 31, 2014. Applications received after the deadlines cannot be guaranteed a spot and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage is sponsored by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) and theKnights of Columbus (K of C). It is the latest in a long history of involvement on the part of both organizations in Lourdes and in service to the military. It is scheduled to coincide with the 56th Annual International Military Pilgrimage, which will bring servicemen and women, veterans, and other pilgrims from around the world to Lourdes.
Wounded or disabled military personnel and their essential companion-caregivers will travel to the Marian shrine for a time of rest, prayer, and spiritual healing. The five-day pilgrimage organized by the AMS and K of C will consist of a number of spiritual events, including: visitor tours, special Masses and events for American pilgrims, Theology on Tap, Eucharistic procession and benediction, and a grand closing ceremony that draws tens of thousands to the sacred shrine.
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, said:
“We will journey and pray with pilgrims from around the world. It will be an occasion to raise our hearts and minds to the Prince of Peace and beg for an increase in understanding and a decrease in strife.”
Approved wounded or disabled military personnel are invited to attend free of charge. The package rate for U.S.-based volunteers and companion-caregivers is: $2,600 (double occupancy), $2,900 (single occupancy). The package rate for European-based volunteers and companion-caregivers is: $555 (double occupancy), $600 (single occupancy).
The U.S. package includes round-trip transatlantic transportation from either Washington D.C. or Houston, Texas, as well as lodging, meals, and PMI credentials. Companion-caregivers and volunteers will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Washington or Houston.
The European package includes round-trip transportation from Kaiserlautern, Germany, as well as lodging, meals, and PMI credentials.
To be eligible for this pilgrimage, wounded or disabled military personnel applicants must be either serving on active duty or recently (and honorably) separated from the United States Military. Since military personnel and companion-caregivers will lodge in a hotel, the wounded or disabled pilgrims must be able to fully perform their “activities of daily living” either alone or with the assistance of their designated companion-caregiver. Potential applicants and their clinical providers should not anticipate a requirement for professional medical or nursing services to be delivered during the pilgrimage, including hospitalization. Those attending should be spiritually motivated to participate as a pilgrim. Wounded or disabled military personnel spouses or essential companion-caregivers are also invited to attend, and volunteers are needed as well. To apply to be a pilgrim or volunteer for the 2014 pilgrimage, click here.
Applications will be reviewed by pilgrimage medical leaders, and applicants should expect to be interviewed by a member of the pilgrimage staff. All applicants will be notified of decisions regarding their application and that of their companion-caregiver.
Read the Pilgrimage Brochures here: U.S. version | EU version — for overseas military.
