Joint peace initiative: Austrian soldiers take part in an international peace rally
Vienna (OTS) – The motto of the 64th International Soldiers’ Pilgrimage to Lourdes was “Come here in community”. From May 22nd to 27th, an Austrian delegation consisting of 400 pilgrims led by Military Bishop Werner Freistetter took part in the pilgrimage. The main aim of the pilgrimage is to pray together for peace, but the exchange between the soldiers is also of great importance.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “Last year I was able to see for myself the soldiers’ pilgrimage in Lourdes and found it to be a special place for encounters, for reflection and for pause. Soldiers from all over the world and from different cultures come together to pray together for peace and togetherness. This strengthens the relationships between the soldiers and also promotes the international exchange of experiences.”
“While taking part in the International Soldiers’ Pilgrimage to Lourdes, the soldiers experience a unique atmosphere of community and peace that transcends national borders. Faith and spirituality unite people of different nationalities and cultures in a special way. Through international exchange, they have the opportunity to gain new perspectives on the diverse challenges of everyday soldiers’ lives,” said Military Bishop Werner Freistetter.
The pilgrimage originally arose in 1958 from a joint peace initiative between French and German soldiers who wanted to overcome existing differences through their shared faith. An Austrian delegation has continuously taken part in this pilgrimage since its founding. Every year an average of several hundred participants from Austria make their way to Lourdes. Today the pilgrimage is the largest peace rally by soldiers in the European armies.
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