In the French Marian shrine of Lourdes, the 66th international military-police pilgrimage was solemnly opened on Friday, the official start of which was marked in the underground basilica of St. Pius X in front of thousands of believers and participants from more than forty countries of the world.
Among the numerous world delegations, Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded an extremely strong presence this year, honorably marking its jubilee, 25th participation in this great spiritual event that traditionally symbolizes togetherness, prayer and reconciliation, announced the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The high delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina at this weekend gathering is led by the Deputy Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina Slaven Galić, the President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lidija Bradara and the Deputy Minister of Security Ivica Bošnjak.
This gathering was an occasion to send strong messages about the importance of peace and stability in today’s time. Deputy Minister of Defense Slaven Galić emphasized that the pilgrimage confirms the values of responsible service and international cooperation of military and security structures.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration in the Croatian language in the Basilica of the Queen of the Holy Rosary, which gathered about a thousand believers, was led by the military ordinary in BiH, Monsignor Miro Relota, with the concelebration of the military ordinary in the Republic of Croatia, Monsignor Jure Bogdan, vicars general and military chaplains. In his sermon “Repentance of the Heart”, Monsignor Relota emphasized that peace is not just a concept but is actively lived, calling leaders and believers to internal conversion against social lethargy.
“We didn’t come here to see ourselves, but as submissives with a submissive heart, because peace is not spoken, but is done by deeds of truth and justice,” Monsignor Relota said, stressing that true joy comes when the heart freely agrees to the order of good.
The pilgrimage continues until Monday with a rich spiritual and protocol program that includes a traditional candlelight procession, wreath-laying at the military cemetery and joint prayers for global stability. After the final ceremony and the ceremonial closing of the event, the return of the delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to their homeland is planned.
