Order of Malta meets in Lourdes for its 68th International Pilgrimage
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is preparing to welcome the Order of Malta’s 68th International Pilgrimage, the annual event to which members, volunteers and patients from all over the world will converge in France from 1st to 5th May.
The Pilgrimage will be led by Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap with Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Hospitaller Josef D. Blotz and the Receiver of the Common Treasure Fra’ Francis Vassallo, renewing a tradition begun in 1958 to honour the centenary of the Apparitions. Some of the most significant moments of the religious program will be the Holy Mass celebrated on Saturday morning by Cardinal Patron Gianfranco Ghirlanda S.J. at the Grotto, the International Pontifical Mass on Sunday presided over by Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and the closing service officiated by Reverend Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, Prelate of the Order of Malta.
Some 7,500 people will be taking part in the event, including 1,300 malades who are the beating heart of the initiative. 450 doctors and health personnel, 282 religious and a representation of young people and children will be ensuring assistance. Participation is global, with delegations from 44 countries. In addition to European and North American representatives, there will be those from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay for Latin America, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong for Asia, as well as Australia and Senegal.
Lebanon will be among the countries represented again this year, despite the ongoing conflict, with the special participation of First Lady Nehmat Aoun, who will take part in the pilgrimage with the Order’s volunteers and members. During the pilgrimage to Lourdes, a meeting with the Grand Master is planned, a moment that aims to reaffirm the deep bond between the Order of Malta and Lebanon, with particular attention to the numerous humanitarian and welfare activities promoted in the country.
In recalling the spiritual value of the visit to the Massabielle Grotto, the Grand Master observed: “Coming to Lourdes does not solve the world’s problems. It does something more demanding. It reminds us of who we are supposed to be. In a world that grows colder, we must be more welcoming. In a world that isolates, we must accompany. In a world that forgets the weak, we must place them at the centre. This is not optional. It is our vocation: Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum.”
The International Pilgrimage reflects the spirit that has animated the Order of Malta since its foundation in the 11th century, when assistance to sick pilgrims in Jerusalem became the institution’s core mission. Still today, caring for the most vulnerable and sharing the journey of faith in international sanctuaries represents a fundamental moment for the Order’s members, transforming the service into a gesture of deep dedication and consideration for others.
