Here is a long and profound prayer, specially written for the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes. It can be recited collectively or personally, in union with the intentions of peace, fraternity and faith carried by military personnel from all over the world gathered before the Virgin Mary.
Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes,
Mother of mercy and consolation,
We come to You, like so many pilgrims before us,
Our hearts burdened with our inner and outer struggles,
Our steps guided by hope and faith,
Our eyes lifted to Your gaze full of tenderness.
You who welcomed Bernadette in the silence of the grotto,
Welcome today the soldiers from the four corners of the world,
Men and women committed to peace,
Wearing the uniform in the service of peoples,
Exposed to tensions, conflicts, exile and hardship.
Mother of God and our Mother,
We entrust to you those who keep watch in war zones,
Those wounded in body or soul,
Those who have given their lives in defence of freedom,
And all families tested by separation and pain.
You who are the Queen of Peace,
Inspire our leaders and rulers to make just choices,
Enlighten consciences in difficult decisions,
Teach our torn world the language of forgiveness,
And make each of us an artisan of reconciliation.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace,
You who did not refuse the cross,
You who know the wounds of combat and loneliness,
Be the strength of our brothers in arms in times of doubt,
Be the light of those who walk in the shadow of death,
Be the peace of those who return home with invisible scars.
Holy Spirit, breath of unity and consolation,
Spread your gifts over this assembly of nations and uniforms,
Take down the barriers of pride, history or borders,
And unite us in brotherhood across cultures and languages.
May this pilgrimage to Lourdes
Be for each serviceman and woman a time of grace,
A moment of truth, rest and renewal,
A source of deep and lasting inner peace.
And may they leave bearing light,
Messengers of love, soldiers of hope.
Our Lady of Lourdes,
Our Lady of the Suffering World,
Our Lady of the Military,
Pray for us, watch over us,
And lead us ever to your Son Jesus.
Amen.
