From 18 to 20 July 2025, Pax Christi France organised an international pilgrimage in Lourdes to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Pax Christi movement. This significant gathering brought together members from across the world for a time of remembrance, prayer, and renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation. 

Pax Christi International was represented by both Bishop Marc Stenger, Co-President, and Giulia Bordin, Advocacy Officer. Bishop Stenger conveyed greetings on behalf of Sr. Wamuyu Wachira IBVM, PCI Co-President, the PCI International Board and the Secretary General, emphasising the unity and global reach of the movement. Giulia Bordin contributed actively to the programme, participating in discussions and workshops, and engaging with members from across the international network.  

The choice of Lourdes held particular significance. In 1948, just three years after its founding, Pax Christi held its first international assembly there, with delegations from 26 countries. The 2025 pilgrimage echoed that foundational moment, creating space for spiritual reflection and renewed international solidarity. 

This pilgrimage served as a time of spiritual grounding and collective reflection. In the face of today's global challenges, armed conflict, displacement, environmental degradation, and rising inequality, participants shared experiences and renewed their commitment to peace rooted in justice and nonviolence, and Gospel-rooted action. 

This moment was not simply a celebration of the past, but a step forward, a reminder that Pax Christi remains as vital as ever in today's world, and that the journey towards just peace is one we must continue to walk together. 

Pax Christi International warmly thanks Pax Christi France, and especially its staff, for the excellent organisation, warm hospitality, and deep spirit of solidarity that shaped every moment of this anniversary pilgrimage. 

Celebration of the PCI mass at the Massabielle Grotto. Bishop Marc Stenger, PCI co-president, delivered the homily.
Panel presentation of Pax Christi International and PCI Sections.
At the Welcome Celebration, Mass for Peace, which took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the sections of PCI and PCI presented specific symbols at the altar to mark the occasion.
Group picture at “House of Peace” in Lourdes.
Inside the Basilica of Pius X, which can accommodate 25,000 people, Bishop Théas — Bishop of Montauban, founder of the Pax Christi movement in 1945, and Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes from 1947 to 1970 — established a Pax Christi chapel behind the presidential seat. In this small chapel, relics of Saint John Paul II (a piece of the cassock he was wearing during the 1981 assassination attempt) and of Saint Pius X (known as the Pope of the Eucharist) are presented for veneration. During the pilgrimage, a commemorative celebration was held along with the translation of the relics of Saint Bernard and Saint Hildegard.
Singing Saint Francis Prayer "Make me an Instrument of your peace" inside the PCI House of Peace. 
Pax Christi International and sections attending the Rosary in Lourdes.