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As the conflict in Ukraine nears its 11th year, a significant gathering of Ukrainian pilgrims took place at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. The event, known as the annual All-Ukrainian Prayer, occurred from October 11 to 13 and attracted participants from around the globe.
The Kyiv-based press office of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church reported that many Ukrainians traveled to Lourdes from both their homeland and various Western countries. These individuals are among the estimated 6.2 million Ukrainians who have fled since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, an escalation of hostilities that began in 2014.
The conflict has led to numerous human rights concerns, including the forced deportation of over 19,500 Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus. This action has been labeled as genocide by joint reports from the New Lines Institute and the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights.
Among those present at Lourdes were Andriy and Iryna, a couple who escaped from Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. They shared their thoughts with the UGCC press office: "We pray for Ukraine, our state, soldiers, suffering people," expressing their desire for a connection with God and their fellow Ukrainians.
Oksana and Natalia also attended after taking refuge in Germany. They explained their intentions: "to know God and go to Jesus to grow in faith, and (to) ask for intercession for Ukraine." Their prayers focused on their country, its military forces, and spiritual conversion.
Additionally, members of "Ukrainian Youth of Christ" from Guissona, Spain—a town known as "Little Ukraine"—took part by pledging loyalty to Christ during this pilgrimage. The UGCC’s church in Lourdes is described by Oksana and Natalia as “home-like.” This Eastern Catholic church symbolizes unity within the global Ukrainian community through its history of displacement due to wars and political repression.
Bishop Hlib Lonchyna delivered a homily during Divine Liturgy on October 13. He encouraged attendees to recognize humanity's reflection of God's glory despite human weaknesses.
Pilgrims participated in various religious activities at Lourdes such as praying for Mary's intercession and reciting rosaries before the basilica. Reflecting on these acts of faith amidst ongoing challenges faced by their nation back home Oksana said: “We are confident in our hearts...that Ukraine will win.”
Gina Christian contributed this report; she can be followed on X @GinaJesseReina.
