Guide our steps along the path of peace

 

Every Holy Year inspires the faithful to go on pilgrimage. This was certainly confirmed last year. Rome was literally overrun with pilgrims, and long lines formed in front of the basilicas waiting to pass through the Holy Doors. Pilgrimages are flourishing!

 

At the Shrine of Banneux, we reflect on this Holy Year with deep gratitude. The theme of “hope,” a gift from the late Pope Francis, resonated deeply with the pilgrims. This is likely because, at this time, we find it very difficult to have faith in the future. In particular, the fear of a possible war is a profound source of anxiety for many people today.

 

On the very evening of his election, the new Pope Leo XIV expressed his wish for peace for all. Since then, he has tirelessly placed peace at the heart of his concerns. He encourages all people of goodwill to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the cause of peace.

 

For the Shrine of the Virgin of the Poor, peace has always been a central concern from the beginning. Especially since the end of the Second World War, Banneux has been a place where people pray tirelessly for reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

 

Since 1958, the candle of peace has burned day and night. Since September 1960, the Chapel of Saint Michael has invited people to pray for peace. Crosses and memorials recall the terrible suffering that war, persecution, and civil war have inflicted on so many peoples. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, burdened by hardship, have found refuge and comfort in the presence of the Mother of God and draw strength and courage from her to face life’s trials.

 

Throughout this pilgrimage season, we therefore turn fervently to Mary and we beseech: “Lead our steps on the path of peace.”

 

To you, dear organizers, we extend our sincerest thanks. You dedicate so much of your time and spare no effort to offering pilgrimages to the faithful. Peace, for which we pray especially fervently, should be a motivation and an incentive for all participants to set out for Banneux.

 

Don’t hesitate to contact us so that together we can offer a pleasant pilgrimage to everyone!

 

 

With my deepest gratitude.

 

Fr. Leo Palm

Rector