Page 19 - QARANC Vol 20 No 4 2023

‘The best kept army secret ever!’
Five of 204 Field Hospital’s Service Personal attended the 63rd International Military Pilgrimage (IMP) in Lourdes in May 2023 together with individuals from the Navy, Airforce, Army and cadets.
This international pilgrimage was originally started by the French and Germans in the aftermath of the Second World War to try to improve relations between the countries. The numbers of countries attending continues to grow each year and 43 Nations were in attendance.
Service Personnel come together in uniform whilst participating in national and international events. Each country has their military band, and they march to various church services. The attendants act as ambassadors for their service and their countries, engaging with senior political, military and ecclesiastical figures from across the globe.
The events include an international opening ceremony, a service of reconciliation, a walk in the footsteps of St Bernadette, laying up of candles with the Last Post and more.
The Sports competition requires a disabled individual to be wheeled around the prairie by a team of men and women who also must complete command tasks as quickly as possible. The transport, pushed and pulled by the team, consists of four handles, a seat and just two large wheels. If the command tasks are not successfully completed the team receive extra tasks. The nations all loudly and proudly support their teams as they compete.
The British and Irish forces held a barbecue with entertainment provided by both national bands, where other nations representatives are also invited. All nations socialise at the local refreshment facilities.
It is important to highlight that although this pilgrimage is organised by the Armed Forces Padres
The attendants act as ambassadors for their service
and their countries, engaging with senior political, military and ecclesiastical figures from across the globe.
Members of 204 Fd Hospital at Lourdes 2023
of the Catholic faith, anyone may request to attend and are welcome.
Following the 61st IMP, Fr Nic Gosnell VG reported a young soldier grinning and saying to him, “I reckon this is the best kept Army secret ever!” I would totally agree with this soldier and believe that everyone should attend this event once in their lives.
Major Jo TG
QARANC
204 (NI) Field Hospital, Belfast
The Gazette QARANC Association 19