Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly Joins U.S. Delegation at Annual International Military Pilgrimage to Marian Shrine at Lourdes

Knights of Columbus-sponsored “Warriors to Lourdes” Pilgrimage Provides Opportunities for Prayer and Healing from Physical and Moral Injury

May 25, 2026

More than 15,000 troops and veterans from around the world stand shoulder to shoulder in honor of Our Lady, praying for her intercession during the Candlelight Marian Procession of the 66th International Military Pilgrimage. (Photo by Tamino Petelinsek)

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly (Capt., U.S. Navy, Ret.) joined over 240 participants from the United States this week at the annual Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. Supreme Knight Kelly was joined by Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA; Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Supreme Master Michael McCusker (Major, U.S. Army, Ret. – Chief of the U.S. Delegation); and Vice Admiral Andrew Lewis (U.S. Navy, Ret.).

The 2026 Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage was held in conjunction with the 66th annual International Military Pilgrimage (PMI) which had as its theme: “Sentinels of Peace.” The PMI officially began in 1958 to promote peace and reconciliation after World War II. The 66^th PMI brought together military personnel from approximately 40 countries and an estimated 15,000-20,000 participants.

Warriors to Lourdes — as the pilgrim delegation from the U.S. is known — is co-sponsored by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) and the Knights of Columbus. This year’s Warriors to Lourdes delegation included 180 active duty or retired military personnel. It included wounded ill and injured warrior pilgrims, 17 Catholic military chaplains, 10 cadets from the United States Military academy at West Point, and 41 caregivers and companions.

“On behalf of our more than 2.2 million Knights of Columbus, I was honored to visit Lourdes and hear the personal stories of our wounded warriors. Many of these brave men and women bear the scars of moral injury suffered in war — scars we cannot see, but whose impact is often devastating,” said Supreme Knight Kelly. “Our Holy Father has continually called for a just end to war, and the dawn of peace. He has said that ‘peace begins with each of us,’ and especially with how we treat others. He has also said that to achieve real peace, we must demonstrate ‘respect for the dignity of every human person.’ That’s why we’ll continue to pray for the healing of our wounded warriors, the true ‘sentinels of peace,’ and help them in their times of greatest need and recovery. Together, invoking the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, we’ll bring even greater healing, hope and peace to all those affected by war.”

While in Lourdes, Supreme Knight Kelly presented a special St. Michael Pilgrim Icon to Archbishop Timothy Broglio as a gift to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of his ordination as a bishop by Pope John Paul II. The icon is one of 300 framed images, each of which were blessed by Pope Francis, and which are being distributed to Knights of Columbus councils at military bases around the world.

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and Vanessa Kelly pray at the Grotto during the Mass for English-Speakers during the 66th International Military Pilgrimage in Lourdes, France. (Photo by Tamino Petelinsek)

About Warriors to Lourdes

The 2026 Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage is co-sponsored by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA and the Knights of Columbus, and is held this year from May 19-25 in conjunction with the 66th annual International Military Pilgrimage (PMI) in Lourdes, France. The Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage allows non-wounded, wounded (physical, mental and/or moral injuries), ill or injured U.S. military personnel to travel from the United States and Europe to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. There, they will participate in PMI events, which include an international opening ceremony, special Masses, visits to the famous healing baths at Lourdes, a Unified Sports Challenge and a candlelight vigil that draws tens of thousands every year.

The International Military Pilgrimage was established in 1946 to promote reconciliation and peace after World War II. Ever since, for one weekend in May, Lourdes has become a place of prayer and healing for active-duty military and veterans representing more than 40 nations.

Lourdes is one of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world. It was the setting for a series of 19th-century apparitions, during which the Virgin Mary appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous. During the past 100 years, millions of pilgrims have flocked to the site, with the hope of receiving a special healing and a deepening of faith.

For additional information please visit warriorstolourdes.com.

About the Knights of Columbus

In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney, a young parish priest in New Haven, Connecticut, founded the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into the world’s premier lay Catholic men’s organization, with more than 2.2 million members in over 16,800 local councils. As members of one of the world’s leading charitable organizations, Knights donated more than 48 million service hours and over $197 million for worthy causes in their communities in 2024. The Knights of Columbus also offers a range of life insurance products to members and their families. Knights of Columbus has more than $124 billion* of life insurance in force. In addition, the organization offers investment services in accord with Catholic social teaching through its wholly owned subsidiary, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, which holds more than $30 billion** in assets under management. Guided by the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, the Knights of Columbus is committed to strengthening Catholic families and parishes, by enabling men to grow in their faith and put that faith into action through service to all in need. To learn more or to join the Knights of Columbus, please visit kofc.org/join.

Investments are offered through Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors (“KoCAA”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Knights of Columbus. KoCAA is an SEC registered investment adviser. For more information, consult KoCAA’s Form ADV disclosure documents at adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Life insurance, annuities, long term care insurance and disability income insurance is offered through Knights of Columbus, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510.