67th International Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The 67th international pilgrimage of the Order of Malta to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France begins today. The Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap will lead the delegation, together with Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Hospitaller Josef D. Blotz and Receiver of the Common Treasure Fabrizio Colonna.
Some 7,400 people are expected to attend, including 1,200 sick, 440 doctors and healthcare workers, 250 religious, 500 young volunteers and 200 children. In all, there will be pilgrims from 43 countries and for the first year there will also be a Dominican Republic delegation with 7 participants.
Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap emphasised the significance of the initiative, which this year falls at an exceptional time in the life of the Church: “While on pilgrimage, each of us is invited to rediscover the mercy and tenderness of God in a world so often marked by suffering and division. In this spirit, the passing of the Holy Father takes on a profound significance. His life and pontificate were a living testament to that very grace — a grace that embraces, heals, and opens paths of hope.” In this regard, he added, “that legacy lives on in every volunteer who, whether joining us for the first time or returning once again, offers their time and strength throughout this Pilgrimage to care for the weakest and most vulnerable — many having travelled from all corners of the world to be here.”
The Maltese Association’s contingent this year is back to pre-pandemic levels, and is in excess of three hundred participants.
The Celebration of Holy Mass in Maltese at the Grotto will be on Saturday 3rd May at 07:30, and may be viewed live on the Lourdes TV channel here:
https://www.directfromlourdes.com/lourdes_live_tv
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The following is the Principal Chaplain’s message to the participants:
“As we journey together toward Lourdes, we do so as Pilgrims of Hope: men and women walking with faith through the Jubilee Year 2025. In this special time, marked by the Church as the Jubilee of Hope, we are invited to rediscover the deep truth that God has not abandoned us, and that His love continues to meet us in the places where we are most vulnerable.
For those of us privileged to accompany and serve Our Lords the Sick, Lourdes becomes a sacred space where hope is not an abstract idea, but a lived experience. It is seen in the gentle care of volunteers, in the strength of those who suffer, and in the silent prayers offered before the Grotto. Lourdes reminds us that every person is deeply loved, not for what they can do, but simply because they are children of God.
Mary, who appeared to Bernadette with tenderness and simplicity, continues to welcome us to Lourdes with the affection of a true mother. She knows our needs, hears our prayers, and leads us always to her Son, the source of all healing and peace. In her presence, the sick find comfort, and the helpers rediscover joy in loving service.
This pilgrimage, then, is not a break from reality, but a deeper step into it. We go to Lourdes not to escape, but to see more clearly: to recognise that even in suffering, God is near; that even in frailty, we are never forgotten. And that hope is not a wishful thought, but a gift poured into our hearts by the Spirit of Christ, who has walked the path of suffering and emerged victorious.
As we prepare to walk this path together, may we carry with us hearts open to grace, hands ready to serve, and spirits rekindled by hope. In Lourdes, may we receive what the world cannot give: the serene certainty that we are held, loved, and accompanied; by God, by Our Lady, and by one another.
God bless you all.
Mgr Brendan Gatt
Principal Chaplain
Maltese Association
Order of Malta
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Below: Members, volunteers and guests prepare to board the flight to Lourdes at Malta International Airport.
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