The 2021 Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage; expenses covered for veterans
The dates for the Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage are 18-25 May, 2021 with the International Military Pilgrimage taking place 21-23 May, 2021.
Applications for the 2021 pilgrimage are now available HERE.
The theme of the 62nd PMI is Pacem Meam do Vobis – My peace I give unto you. The cross on this year’s logo was designed in Hungary as the symbol of the 2020 International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest. The cross will be exhibited and processed during the 62nd PMI. It represents our Lord Jesus Christ who gives us his peace as well as the Eucharist, source of our peace and our salvation. The dove carrying the olive branch symbolizes the Holy Spirit and represents the gift of peace.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Each category of eligibility is outlined here below. Please note that while expenses are covered for selected warrior pilgrims and their designated caregivers, it is not the case for their companions, pre-9/11 veterans and non military-affiliated volunteers. Exceptions may apply.
WOUNDED, ILL OR INJURED MILITARY PERSONNEL
Includes wounded, ill or injured individuals serving on active duty, honorably discharged, separated or retired from the United States Military (priority given to post-9/11 era). This category includes individuals suffering from PTSD, Moral Injury, and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Since all pilgrims will lodge in hotels, wounded, ill or injured warriors must be able to perform all “activities of daily living” either alone or with the assistance of their designated caregiver. Applicants and their clinical providers should anticipate that professional medical or nursing services, including hospitalization, will be limited during the pilgrimage. EACH wounded, ill, or injured individual must complete and submit the full application to include the wounded, ill, or injured medical annex with physician signature.
NON-WOUNDED, NON-ILL OR NON-INJURED MILITARY PERSONNEL
Includes non-wounded, non-ill or non-injured individuals serving on active duty, honorably discharged, separated or retired from the United States Military (priority to post-9/11 era). EACH non-wounded, non-ill, or non-injured applicant must complete and submit a separate application to include the appropriate medical annex.
DESIGNATED CAREGIVER
Designated Caregivers, as defined by the VA and Military Services, include healthcare providers, spouses, adult relatives, significant others or friends who serve as a *certified designated caregiver for a wounded, ill or injured warrior. Services caregivers provide may include, but are not limited to, assistance with activities of daily living (i.e., personal hygiene, dressing, sitting, standing, feeding, bathing, etc.), ensuring the correct dose and timing of prescribed medications and/or providing supervision to ensure the safety of the warrior. A designated caregiver must be in good health, capable of sitting and/or standing in place for extended periods, capable of walking long distances (up and down stairs, hills and on uneven surfaces) and cannot have physical limitations that will prevent them from properly assisting the pilgrim. Designated caregivers should anticipate that professional medical or nursing services, including hospitalization, will be limited during the pilgrimage.
*A copy of your VA or Military Certification documentation must be included with your application.
ADULT COMPANION
Includes non-military spouses, adult relatives, significant others or friends serving as a travel and pilgrimage companion for a military pilgrim. A companion is NOT considered a designated caregiver. EACH companion must complete and submit a separate application to include the appropriate medical annex.
CHILD COMPANION
Includes child relatives under the age of 18 serving as a travel and pilgrimage companion for a military pilgrim. EACH child companion must complete or have completed and submit a separate application to include the appropriate medical annex.
VOLUNTEER
Includes any individual (including pre-9/11 era veterans) over the age of 14 who wishes to volunteer to physically support the movement and general care of warrior pilgrims as assigned by the Leadership Team for the Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage. A Volunteer must be in good health, capable of sitting and/or standing in place for extended periods, capable of walking long distances (up and down stairs, hills and on uneven surfaces) and pushing a wheelchair. Volunteers cannot have physical limitations that will prevent them from properly assisting our warrior pilgrims. EACH volunteer must complete and submit a separate application to include appropriate medical annex.
CHAPLAIN/DEACON
Includes both military (active, retired, discharged) and non-military Chaplains or Deacons who wish to attend and provide spiritual assistance for pilgrims. Non-active duty Chaplains will require a letter of good standing from their diocese or religious governing body.
The Author
