Father Jeffrey Laible, spiritual director for Warriors to Lourdes, distributes Communion during Mass for English-speaking service members and their companions at the grotto in Lourdes, France, during the International Military Pilgrimage in May 2016. (Provided photo/Lt. Col. William Wong, M.D.)

Even though the war may be over, the battle continues for many who were scarred by combat. The Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage offers a way to find peace, according to Father Jeffrey Laible, pastor of four Logan County Catholic parishes and spiritual director for the program.

“It’s the opportunity to receive the gift of healing. Jesus still heals today as he did in the Gospels, so there is an incredible healing, I believe, that takes place in taking part in the Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage,” said Father Laible, a colonel with the Illinois Air National Guard who serves at Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Lincoln in Springfield. He has been involved in the program since 2015.

Some healing might come physically, while others might find healing of memories or emotions, he said, adding that healing may also come by spending time in prayer and reflection after returning from Lourdes.

The Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage, which coincides each year with the International Military Pilgrimage, is made possible by a partnership between the Archdiocese for the Military Services and the Knights of Columbus. The next one will take place May 12-19, 2020.

The theme is “Peace I Leave You, My Peace I Give You.”

APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN

Father Laible said the application process has started and is open to service members, active or retired, who are wounded, ill and injured, as well as their caregivers. The selection board will start to review applications after the process closes on Jan. 15, 2020.

The Knights of Columbus will underwrite the $2,600 cost for those who are selected and may do the same for those who care for the wounded warriors, Father Laible said.

Applications require a statement about why the service member wants to participate and an endorsement from his or her military chaplain or pastor, among other things.

“The selection board is basically looking to make sure the warrior has got a spiritual reason for applying to go, that they’re spiritually motivated to go,” Father Laible explained.

If someone has made the pilgrimage before, they are welcome to apply again, he said.

Those who would like to help can do two things. The first is to make a donation of any amount to the Knights of Columbus to help with the costs of sending wounded warriors to Lourdes.

“I don’t know if everyone in our parishes is familiar with all of the good things, all of the good, charitable works that the Knights of Columbus do, by they do a tremendous amount of charity work, and this is just one of them,” Father Laible said. “They’re very committed to this program.”

The second thing people can do is pray for all who will make this pilgrimage and those who are involved with it, he told The Catholic Post.

For more information about the Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage, the application process, or how to help, visit warriorstolourdes.com.

Father Laible said he is also willing to talk to groups about the pilgrimage. Contact him at frlaible@logancountycatholic.org.