France: National Pilgrimage to Lourdes Gathers 20,000 People

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The event included Mass and the recitation of the Rosary for both France and the world.

Lourdes – France (08/15/2023 16:55, Gaudium Press) On this Tuesday, August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, the National Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Lourdes, France, was held, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio in France, Archbishop Celestino Migliore. The event saw the participation of over 20,000 devotees.

Prayer for France and the world

A procession with the Blessed Sacrament traversed the entire esplanade, arriving in front of the Rosary Basilica, where a Holy Mass was celebrated followed by the ‘Prayer for France and the world’, a tradition dating back several centuries, presided over by Father Vincent Cabanac.

Alluding to the recent urban violence that occurred in France, the priest emphasized that “the Church and Christians have a role to play, they are not spectators of these events. We can be among those who heal and calm.”

Significant strength of the National Pilgrimage

Recalling the war in Ukraine, Father Cabanac underscored the important role of Europe, and particularly France, in this context. “We are aware that we must allow promoters of peace to emerge in our midst,” he emphasized.

Father Cabanac believes that one of the significant strengths of this National Pilgrimage lies in its unifying aspect, stating, “It encompasses all generations and social conditions, but also the sick and the weakest, who constitute a predominant group.” (EPC)

Compiled by Gustavo Kralj

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