MILITARY PILGRIMAGE - DAYS IN THE MILITARY DIOCESE AND WORLD YOUTH DAY

5 - 25 August 2011

This pilgrimage is a real spiritual pilgrimage, unlike the many "tourist pilgrimage trips" that usually involve 5 star hotels and travelling around famous religious sites in luxury coaches. We will spend Days in the Military Diocese with over 300 military members from various NATO and international forces in preparation for World Youth Day 2011!!!

We will be joining a journey of goodwill and peace across the Pyreneese Mountains in southern France. ADF Pilgrims will spend time of prayer and reflection at the grotto at Lourdes where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette; then together, we will be hiking and camping through some of the most beautiful natural landscape in western Europe - following in the footsteps of St James and many other saints.

This time will also be an opportunity for you to represent and be ambassadors for Australia amongst the young people of other militaries.

The journey will not be for the 'soft' or faint-hearted. Whilst the French Military organisers have indicated that the walking pace will be gentle (approx 12-18 kms per day), it will undoubtedly be hot, accommodation will be tentage with limited facilities and meals may include military ration packs. Importantly, this pilgrimage is all about stepping out of our comfort zones as we will all spiritually and mentally challenge ourselves. It is when we are a bit physically tired and the living conditions are not always comfortable that we find and build upon our relationship with God. We will be relying on the Holy Spirit radiating from our military brothers and sisters to get us through!

NOTE: All pilgrims participating in this pilgrimage must, at the time of departure, be medically classified as MEC 1. Members who are not MEC 1 must have a certificate from a Medical Officer declaring that they are fit to participate.

In addition, pilgrims must be current in their respective service's Basic Fitness Assessment.

Itinerary

5 August 2011 - Depart various Australian airports. ADF pilgrims will RV at either Singapore or London airports.

6 August 2011 - Arrive in Toulouse, France, and transferred to Lourdes.

7 August 2011 - Free time in Lourdes.

8-15 August 2011 - Days in the Military Diocese - a hiking/camping pilgrimage across the Pyreneese Mountains from Lourdes to the French-Spanish border.

16 August 2011 - Transport from French-Spanish border to Madrid.

17-21 August 2011 - World Youth Day week Madrid 2011.

22 August 2011 - Depart Madrid.

24 August 2011 - Reflection and retreat in Singapore.

25 August 2011 - Arrival in Australia and return to unit.

Pilgrimage Costs - AUD$4195

Pilgrimage Package Includes

  • Economy Class airfares to Toulouse, France and returning from Madrid, Spain, flying British Airways.
  • Transfer from Toulouse Airport to Lourdes.
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Lourdes (twin share).
  • Spiritual pilgrimage-walk across the Pyreneese Mountains from Lourdes to the French-Spanish border (simple camping/hiking style journey – 7 nights).
  • Vehicle transport from French-Spanish border to Madrid.
  • World Youth Day week hosted by the Spanish Military at the Cuatro Vientos Air Force Base – where Pope Benedict XVI will be celebrating Mass
  • World Youth Day registration fee and entry to all World Youth Day activities.
  • World Youth Day accredition and pilgrims pack.
  • Post-World Youth Day Retreat in Spain.
  • Diocese of ADF World Youth Day T-shirt.
  • Opportunities for Sacrament of Reconciliation, daily celebration of Mass and pastoral support by Army Chaplain Fr Damien Ellis.

Package costs does not include Travel Insurance, which is mandatory for all ADF pilgrims. Pilgrims are responsible for purchasing their own appropriate Travel Insurance.

 
© Catholic Diocese of the Australian Defence Force 2011