A Change That Reflects on the Face

Fifty-one Slovenians joined a pilgrimage group from Italy to Lourdes on July 20, 2026, marking their eighteenth consecutive year participating in the journey. The group, part of the Italian organization UNITALSI, included 300 pilgrims from Trieste, Udine, and Gorizia. Among them was Archbishop Marjan Turnšek, who spoke with local radio during the gathering. The pilgrimage, which began earlier in the week, brought together individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses, many of whom traveled long distances to reach the French town known for its Catholic shrines. The pilgrimage took place over several days, with participants arriving by air and beginning their journey to Lourdes immediately upon arrival. Those who did not fly will return home tomorrow after completing their spiritual and physical journey. The group’s participation highlights the enduring tradition of Slovenian pilgrims joining international religious expeditions, particularly those associated with the Virgin Mary’s apparition site in Lourdes. Archbishop Turnšek emphasized the transformative experience of the pilgrimage, noting visible changes in the faces of participants, especially those who had endured significant challenges to reach Lourdes. He described this transformation as akin to the biblical accounts of saints whose countenance reflected inner change. “An internal transformation has taken place, one that reflects even on their faces,” he said. “It seems to me that this is similar to what happened with the disciples after Jesus appeared to them, where something new, something deeper shone on Bernard’s face.” He added that while some pilgrims hoped for miraculous physical healing, he believed the more profound miracle lay in the spiritual renewal they experienced. “I think it is more important that God makes a spiritual miracle in them, a miracle of a new life, like a spring beginning to flow anew in the womb of Mary,” he explained. The archbishop highlighted the significance of prayer and humility in the pilgrimage experience, recalling Mary’s call to prayer and submission. This, he said, encourages pilgrims to move from experiencing suffering to embracing giving. “From our suffering, which we might feel unjust, making us feel like victims, we can make a gift to God, if we transform it into love. When it comes to giving, no burden is anymore heavy.” Participants described the journey as both physically demanding and spiritually uplifting. Many traveled long distances, some using wheelchairs or other mobility aids, to reach Lourdes. Their presence underscored the deep faith that motivates such pilgrimages, often involving weeks of preparation and sacrifice. The pilgrimage group left Lourdes today, with all members returning home either today or tomorrow. The event marked another chapter in the annual tradition of Slovenian pilgrims joining the Roman Catholic pilgrimage to Lourdes, a practice that continues to draw thousands each year despite logistical and health-related challenges. The pilgrimage included a mix of individuals with diverse medical conditions, reflecting the inclusive nature of the event. Participants engaged in daily prayers, processions, and visits to the grotto where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in the 19th century. These activities formed the core of the spiritual experience for many attendees. The group’s departure from Lourdes signified the end of their journey, though the impact of the pilgrimage is likely to remain with them for years to come. As Archbishop Turnšek noted, the true value lies not just in reaching the destination but in the transformation experienced along the way.