Auf dem Weg nach Lourdes auch kranke und behinderte Slowenen

Slovenian patients and their caregivers will join the pilgrimage to Lourdes for the 18th consecutive year, marking another chapter in a long-standing tradition of spiritual renewal. The group, consisting of 51 Slovenians, has begun its journey today and is expected to conclude on Tuesday. This year’s pilgrimage includes members from various regions, including Trieste, Vrhnik, and Gorica, with participants ranging in age from 11 to 84 years old. Among them is Bishop Marjan Turnšek, who serves as the head of the diocese of Ljubljana. The group comprises sick individuals, their caretakers, and healthcare workers, all traveling together under the guidance of Father Miro Šlibar, the hospital chaplain and organizer of the pilgrimage. He emphasized the significance of the event, noting that each year they invite one of Slovenia's bishops to accompany the group. “We have always invited one of our bishops, and this year it is Bishop Marjan,” he explained. “He is known to inspire us spiritually. The most spiritually moved among us is Matija Maria. And we will return home filled with the Marian spirit and acceptance of each day.” Father Šlibar added that the group carries with them the prayers and requests of Slovenian patients who remain at home. “This is for strengthening our faith, our trust, our mutual love, for more unity within the Church and the country. We will bring these things before Mary. And know this, we will tell you from Lourdes how we are.” The pilgrimage aims to provide both physical and emotional relief through prayer and communal support. Participants will have the opportunity to witness direct broadcasts from the Lourdes grotto, which can be accessed via the official website of the shrine. According to Father Šlibar, the Slovenian procession will take place during the early morning hours on Sunday, specifically at six o'clock. “Particularly important will be the moment when the Slovenian procession enters the Lourdes grotto,” he noted. This year’s theme for the pilgrimages, coinciding with the 168th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, is “Healthy Mary, Full of Mercy, The Lord Is With You.” The focus reflects a broader emphasis on healing, compassion, and divine presence. The event continues to draw participants from across Slovenia, highlighting the enduring importance of spiritual journeys in personal and collective well-being. As the group prepares for their arrival in Lourdes, they carry with them not just hope, but also the shared experiences of illness, care, and resilience. Their participation underscores the role of faith in navigating life’s challenges, offering a sense of purpose and connection beyond individual suffering. The pilgrimage stands as a testament to the power of community and belief in times of need.