World Day of the Order – Ta’ Pinu National Pilgrimage
The World Day of the Order for the year 2024 was celebrated by the Maltese Association through the 33rd National Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu at Gharb in Gozo. This event has become a fixture in the calendar of events of the Association, and though it involves a lot of preparation and logistical support, is looked forward to by both our guests, Our Lords the Sick, but also by all Members of the Association, volunteers, and, these last few years, by a strong presence of members of the Ordine di Malta Corpo Italiano di Soccorso.
The Pilgrimage was led by the new President of the Maltese Association, Dr Michael Grech, who was accompanied by most members of the Council, elected recently.
.
Over 120 malades attended the event coming from St Vincent de Paule Residence, Dar tal-Providenza, Mt Carmel Hospital, and, from Gozo, Dar Arka.
They were accompanied , by Members of the Order, who in Church, wore their robes, Volunteers with their distinctive white T Shirts carrying the logo of VOTO and, the Italian contingent, wearing their uniform.
Transport from Malta was done on special coaches adapted to accommodate in the most comfortable manner our guests the Sick, and transport to Gozo was done on the Gozo Ferry Gaulos to allow them to remain in their cars during the trip to and from Gozo.
The Maltese Association was honored this year to have the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Monsignor Savio Hon Tai-Fai, celebrating Mass, assisted by Monsignor Brendan Gatt, Principal Chaplain to the Association, as well as Fr Geoffrey George Attard and Fr Charles Vella.
The Apostolic Nunzio, who flew from Vancouver the night before to be present in Gozo, said Mass in Maltese but delivered a moving homily in English, extolling the virtues we should all seek to follow, especially when faced with sickness.
President Dr Michael Grech, at the end of Mass, thanked all those present, especially our Lords the Sick, their families, and the Members of the Order and Volunteers, whether Maltese and Italian, for their presence during this important occasion. He then recited the Prayer of the Order.
The tradition Group photograph was taken outside in front of the Shrine by Confrere Martin Micallef, who has always been generous with his time and camera to cover the events of the Malta Association thus ensuring that a record is kept for future generations.
This year’s lunch was held at the newly refurbished Hotel Kempinski at San Lawrenz. The Organisation was in the hands of Dame Karen Miller, the newly elected Hospitaller, while from the Hotel side Mr Eike Clausen, General Manager and Mr Derik Sacco, Assistant Director Sales ensured the smooth running of the service.
Food was prepared by the Hotel staff under the guidance of Chef Trevor Portelli.
Members and Volunteers served food helped also by members of the staff of the Hotel. Entertainment was provided by Mr Spiro Sillato.
Return journey to Malta was at 1500hrs with everyone happy with the way the day was spent and promising one another to be present again in the following year.
NBS
More photos of the event are available at the gallery below:
.
.
