- Feb 5, 2002
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(OSV News) — Surrounded by almost 15,000 military personnel from around the world, Airman 1st Class Quenton Cooper felt a deep sense of fraternity during a May 24-26 pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.
Cooper was one of 183 American pilgrims who journeyed to Lourdes for the annual International Military Pilgrimage.
Every year since 1958, the French army has invited soldiers from across the world to come together for three days of festivities, prayer, and fraternity in Lourdes, the frequented pilgrimage site where Mary is believed to have appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858.
Known for its healing miracles, Lourdes is often frequented by pilgrims seeking either physical, spiritual or mental healing. Thus, the weekend pilgrimage places a special emphasis on healing, military chaplain Father Philip O’Neill told OSV News.
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
Cooper was one of 183 American pilgrims who journeyed to Lourdes for the annual International Military Pilgrimage.
Every year since 1958, the French army has invited soldiers from across the world to come together for three days of festivities, prayer, and fraternity in Lourdes, the frequented pilgrimage site where Mary is believed to have appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858.
Spiritual growth and community
“This trip has bolstered my spiritual life because it has reminded me that I’m not alone in my prayer life and that the church is not just located in one country, but it’s a community that extends all over the world,” Cooper told OSV News. “It is this reminder that no matter who we are, we need to thrive, and God will put us in. He will always put us where he needs us to help others grow in their faith.”Known for its healing miracles, Lourdes is often frequented by pilgrims seeking either physical, spiritual or mental healing. Thus, the weekend pilgrimage places a special emphasis on healing, military chaplain Father Philip O’Neill told OSV News.
Continued below.
U.S. Catholics encounter fraternity, healing in annual military pilgrimage to Lourdes
Every year since 1958, the French army has invited soldiers from across the world to come together for three days of festivities, prayer, and fraternity in Lourdes, the frequented pilgrimage site where Mary is believed to have appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
