The Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese for the Military Services sponsor American wounded warriors to attend the annual global military pilgrimage in Lourdes, France. Spirit Juice Studios was blessed to first document this pilgrimage in May of 2018. Walking side-by-side with the military personnel and their families, Spirit Juice captured the wounded warriors’ experiences, reactions and (most importantly) their healing during the military pilgrimage. The Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage is for wounded, ill, or injured veterans seeking physical and spiritual healing.
Being able to interview the pilgrims was an experience unlike any other for the Spirit Juice crew. We heard the stories of these wounded warriors (many of whom are members of the Knights of Columbus), from their time in battle to the transition from daily activities. This group was welcoming, full of life and love.
Working in conjunction with the The Knights of Columbus staff and team was a great experience – their dedication to creating a spiritual pilgrimage for military members created a beautiful atmosphere for those in attendance.
Spirit Juice is humbled and honored by the recognition bestowed upon “Warriors to Lourdes”, which won a Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award in 2019. This documentary gives the viewers an inside look into the pilgrimage itself, the history of Lourdes, and the genuine, raw emotions of those who carry the invisible wounds of war – mental, emotional and moral. Their stories reveal sometimes the greatest acts of courage occur not on the battlefield, but inside the human heart.