International Military Pilgrimage is a real eye-opener

Interviews from the International Military Pilgrimage that took place at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in May 2019. Lance Corporal David Long serves in 238 Transport Squadron of the Royal Logistics Corps. Here he reflects on his Lourdes experience as a non-Catholic who had only ever been to church for the funerals of his mum and nan. Lance Corporal Long found the pilgrimage an eye-opening experience: "I can’t find fault in it at all! I’ve enjoyed the whole thing. The atmosphere's been unbelievable - going to church - all that opened my eyes. "The Padres are superb - they're always there to talk to us if ever we need them. I’ve been through some really bad times - some low times - but this can only help me. It's as simple as that." "The people are so friendly it's unbelievable. Nothing's pushed onto you. I'm top of the list to come back next year - I've enjoyed every second of it."