An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 26 | the Military Pilgrimage to lourdes The 59Th LMP: a Memorable experience By CADET CíAN hARTE, 93 CADET ClASS I t is difficult to put into words the experi- ence one has on a visit to lourdes as a pil- grim; even more so as a cadet representing the Defence Forces. The picturesque landscape of valleys and rivers surrounding the town, the Pyrenees on the horizon, the beautiful weather, and the town's historical legacy as a sacred place for Christians, combine to create an experience of sheer serenity. Religious affiliation aside, Lourdes evokes in every pilgrim a stirring of one's spiritual- ity that is difficult to define. The pilgrimage on numerous occasions made you think of those who you have lost, family members and friends, enhanced a hundred-fold by the work of Cadet Scully and his first-rate cadet choir, who sang moving songs at emotional events for the five days of the pilgrimage. The Lourdes military pilgrimage (LMP) began in 1957 as a means by which to heal the divide between French and German sol- diers in the wake of the Second World War. Soldiers and chaplains from both countries were encouraged to visit Lourdes to gather and pray as one. Intended to heal the scars of war, the initiative soon expanded to include militaries from all over the world. The Defence Forces has sent representa- tives to every pilgrimage since 1958 and pilgrims travelling this year included the Min- ister of State with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD; Deputy Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Kieran Brennan; GOC DFTC, Brig Gen Joe Mulligan; Head Chaplain to the Defence Forces, Fr Séamus Madigan; Sch Comdt, Cadet School, Lt Col Ian Byrne; Class Officer 93 Cadet Class, Comdt Conor Gorey, and other staff of the Cadet School; 93 Cadet Class; and 142 Recruit Pla- toon, from 12 Inf Bn, Limerick. The Lourdes visit encompassed a great many events of religious importance, as well as enjoyable and moving activities for Irish non-military personnel who travelled with us. Events we attended included the Fifteen Stations of the Cross; a bracing plunge in the sacred baths; a visit to the gravesites of Irish pilgrims buried in Lourdes; a humbling experience visiting the ill Irish pilgrims hospitalised nearby; as well as other Masses and services, all of which encompassed a packed programme of military and spiritual events. One of the highlights and most emotive events was the children's party, organised by the Lourdes travelling body, during which the cadets had nearly as much fun entertain- ing the kids as the children themselves. The cadet class also took the opportunity to jog up part of the Pyrenees range to over 1,000 feet, where the views were simply breathtak- ing; eagles spanning their wings over a vast horizon as far as the eye could see! As a cadet and a member of the Military Pilgrimage, the highlight was the military pro- cessions. We marched in formation through the streets of Lourdes alongside our comrades to the drumbeat of the Defence Forces Pipe Band. The tricolour fluttered in the breeze and the bagpipes drowned out all noise before us as military personnel of many nations stood to attention saluting our national colours and civilian onlookers gazed in wonder. The poignancy of our final procession, when the less fortunate led the column of soldiers to our final Mass, was particularly tender. All of these events and experiences combined to create an experience of pure pride and an unforgettable trip for us all. By REV FR SEAMuS MADIGAN, hEAD ChAPlAIN TO ThE FORCES The International Military Pilgrim- age to Lourdes will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2018 and Ire- land has been a constant partici- pant almost since its inception. What follows are three short articles that reflect on the pil- grimage from the point of view of a mother, a cadet, and a mem- ber of the pipe band. 2017 Group Photo with all pilgrims. Photo: Viron The Colours - Underground Basilica. Photo: Lacaze Cadet Scully directs choir. Photo: Lacase

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