On Friday, October 16th, Mayor Thierry Lavit hosted pilgrims from Częstochowa in the Municipal Council chamber. They were accompanied by Monseigneur Krystian Gawron and Father Rafal Zawisza, and attended by Suzanne Lacroix, president of the association L’Étoile Bleue, its volunteers, and municipal council members.
The Mayor emphasized that this visit was "far more than a visit: the living testimony of a friendship that has united our two cities for over thirty-five years." He recalled that the twinning between Lourdes and Częstochowa, signed in 1990, is built on the commitment of individuals, beyond official ceremonies.
Thierry Lavit highlighted the role of the association L’Étoile Bleue, calling it a "true bridge between France and Poland," as well as the dedication of volunteers and the Polish community in Lourdes. He noted that their "unwavering associative commitment" makes current actions and future projects possible.
The year 2026 marked a new stage with the launch of the International Day of Franco-Polish Friendship on April 20th and the European Youth Concert on May 23rd, placing young people, culture, and music at the heart of exchanges. Thierry Lavit stressed the importance of passing on these inherited links to present and future generations.
Lourdes and Częstochowa also share their vocation as major European pilgrimage cities, united within the Shrines of Europe network alongside Altötting, Einsiedeln, Fátima, Loreto, and Mariazell.
In conclusion, Thierry Lavit welcomed the pilgrims from Częstochowa, saying, "Welcome to Lourdes: the Fraternal City! Welcome to this city that is also yours." He then presented the City's medal to Father Rafal Zawisza, pilgrimage director and representative of the Archbishop of Częstochowa.
The Polish pilgrimage director thanked the City of Lourdes for its welcome and reaffirmed the bonds between the two cities. He then presented the Mayor with an icon of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa. Monseigneur Krystian Gawron also offered brief remarks before all participants shared a toast of friendship offered by the municipality.
