Lourdes Patients’ Tea Parties
The first of the Lourdes Patients Tea Parties for 2024, will be held in mid-February at 4.30 p.m. at the Radisson, Golden Sands.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer to help at this event is kindly requested to contact the secretariat or Dame Victoire Borg Manché on 21226919 for more information.
How the Tea Parties Originated
The Tea Parties took off a few years ago following the return from the International pilgrimage to Lourdes, where members of the Maltese Association of the Order formed close connections with ailing pilgrims.
In order to maintain and enhance such connections, Dame Nadya Chetcuti, then Secretary to the Association, and Dame Victoire Borg Manche, organised monthly tea parties on behalf of the Order. Collaborating with hotel management, they secured invitations for 40 to 60 special friends, relying entirely on the generosity of the hotels without incurring any expenses. The objective was to offer guests an afternoon to socialise and momentarily set aside any challenges they are facing. The response exceeded expectations, and around 74 tea parties were organised in just over six years. Despite the challenges posed by Covid, 2023 witnessed a resurgence with four additional parties hosted by Westin Dragonara, Radisson Golden Sands, Corinthia Marina, and Radisson St. Julian’s. Each tea party gathers around 50-60 esteemed guests treated to a lovely array of culinary displays all impeccably served by the loving staff.
The Association extends gratitude to the management and staff of these hotels for their outstanding kindness and service, which are crucial in making these events possible.
Members, volunteers and guests at the Tea Party kindly sponsored by the
Radisson St. Julian’s, on Wednesday 25th October.
Photo Credit: Doris Aquilina
