Pope Francis blessed Ukrainian soldiers-pilgrims and said he prays for peace in Ukraine
On May 23rd during the general audience greeted the Ukrainian soldiers that complete their pilgrimage to Lourdes and blessed them.
“Pope Francis blessed the Ukrainian warriors. Today at the general audience he greeted the participants of 60th International military pilgrimage to Lourdes May 17-22”, Ukrainian military chaplain, Ukrainian Greek Catholic priest Stepan Sus.
“I constantly pray the Lord may heal the wounds inflicted by war and grant his peace to beloved Ukraine,” said the Pope.
As RISU informed, the 60th International Military Pilgrimage was held in Lourdes, France. This year's delegation of military pilgrims from Ukraine was the most numerous in all years and reached 200 people. As part of the delegation there were: servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, soldiers injured during the war, women who lost their husbands.
Cadets and orchestra of the National Academy of Ground Forms named after P. Sagaidachny also came to Lourdes. This military team visited the international pilgrimage event for the first time. By the way, the Ukrainian military orchestra participated in the solemn opening ceremony of the 60th International Military Pilgrimage.
The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Bishop Mikhail (Koltun), Head of the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Patriarchal Curia of the UGCC.
