On March 29—30, 2008, the Institute of Christ the King conducted a pilgrimage to Lourdes in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady there.
The superiors, seminarians, and sisters of the Institute came en masse from Gricigliano, along with many of the Institute's priests from France, led by their Provincial Superior, Abbé Benoît Jayr. They were all joined by a great number of friends and faithful from France, Ireland, Italy, and the United States.
The two days were filled with private and scheduled devotions, including the Rosary, Way of the Cross, and an impressive candle procession Saturday evening. Solemn High Masses were celebrated in the upper basilica chapel, which was filled to capacity. On Saturday, the celebrant was Vicar General of the Institute, Msgr. Michael Schmitz, while Msgr. Gilles Wach, Prior General of the Institute, offered Mass that Divine Mercy Sunday. The Rector of the Shrine, Msgr. Walter R. Rossi, greeted the pilgrims with a warm welcoming speech.