Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš joins International Military Pilgrimage to France
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- Date: 17.05.2019
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Today (17 May 2019), Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš joined the 61st annual International Military Pilgrimage (Pèlerinage Militaire International or PMI) to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France. The international opening ceremony will start in the evening hours today. A 150-strong SVK delegation, involving members of the Slovak Armed Forces and Armed Corps, set out for one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage sites a day earlier, to link up with over 25,000 pilgrims who are set to arrive from 30 countries of the world.
Reflecting on the symbolism of the 2019 PMI, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “This year’s theme of the International Military Pilgrimage «Seek Peace and Pursue It» reflects the changing security situation in the world and the unchangeable fact that peace is not a matter of course. On the contrary, even today we need to find a way to peace, build it and sustain it and so prevent destructive armed conflicts.”
Head of the SVK MOD emphasised: “There is strong symbolism of the desire for peace in the fact that soldiers from all over the world come together for spiritual petitions and prayers, especially those who hold weapons in their hands – ready to protect their countries and nations – on a daily basis.” As he added, this is the 24th time Slovakia has participated in the PMI.
Ordinary of the Slovak Armed Forces and Armed Corps Mons František Rábek spoke of how get-togethers of service personnel from different countries of the world help foster friendly relations during the Lourdes pilgrimage. “Of course, this also has a spiritual dimension as they strengthen our faith and church community, because we, Christians, belong to this community regardless of all borders,” said Bishop Rábek. He also expressed his appreciation for the participation of Defence Minister Gajdoš and Interior Minister Saková in this pilgrimage. According to his words, they have assigned great significance to this pilgrimage.
Reflecting on the symbolism of the 2019 PMI, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “This year’s theme of the International Military Pilgrimage «Seek Peace and Pursue It» reflects the changing security situation in the world and the unchangeable fact that peace is not a matter of course. On the contrary, even today we need to find a way to peace, build it and sustain it and so prevent destructive armed conflicts.”
Head of the SVK MOD emphasised: “There is strong symbolism of the desire for peace in the fact that soldiers from all over the world come together for spiritual petitions and prayers, especially those who hold weapons in their hands – ready to protect their countries and nations – on a daily basis.” As he added, this is the 24th time Slovakia has participated in the PMI.
Ordinary of the Slovak Armed Forces and Armed Corps Mons František Rábek spoke of how get-togethers of service personnel from different countries of the world help foster friendly relations during the Lourdes pilgrimage. “Of course, this also has a spiritual dimension as they strengthen our faith and church community, because we, Christians, belong to this community regardless of all borders,” said Bishop Rábek. He also expressed his appreciation for the participation of Defence Minister Gajdoš and Interior Minister Saková in this pilgrimage. According to his words, they have assigned great significance to this pilgrimage.
The Apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1858, reported by St Bernadette Soubirous, made the French town famous, thanks to which it has ever since become one of the most visited Christian places of pilgrimage in the world. Apart from spiritual reasons, huge crowds come to Lourdes ever year to drink its reportedly healing water from the local spring. This year’s 61st International Military Pilgrimage will continue until 21 May 2019.
