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The Volunteers of the Order organised a Christmas gathering for members and aspirants at the Cisk Tap Mriehel on the 5th December 2023. Drinks and nibbles were served to the 55 attendees present. To add an exciting twist to this year’s festive gathering, VOTO surprised their members with a raffle. Each attendee was presented with a raffle ticket upon arrival, creating an air of anticipation throughout the evening. As the night concluded, a lottery was drawn, and the lucky winner walked away with a magnum. It was indeed a very pleasant evening, providing a wonderful opportunity for members to connect, unwind, and reflect on the spirit of unity and celebration during this festive season.

The Volunteers of the Order organised a day trip to Gozo for Guests and families who previously participated in the Annual Lourdes Pilgrimage and International Summer Camps. This event was held on Saturday, 21st October 2023 and around 100 Guests and Volunteers were present. Participants gathered at Cirkewwa at 8AM and crossed over to Gozo via the ferry. On arriving at the Mġarr Harbour, vans from Dar Tal- Providenza, OMVG, and two private coaches transported participants to the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary in Gharb. Mass was celebrated by Mons. Brendan Gatt at 10:30AM. Following Mass, participants had some time for prayer and reflection at the Shrine behind the altar, and were then transported to Marsalforn for lunch at Smuggler’s. The group then headed back to the Mġarr harbour to return with the 4 o’clock ferry back to Malta.

Following the success of the previous years it was decided to host this social evening for present and past Summer Camp attendees, their families and volunteers. The evening opened with a mass celebration by Fr. Savio Vella and Fr. Claude Portelli, followed by welcome drinks and a BBQ at the Marsa Sports Club. The evening was very well attended, with a record attendance of  98 guests.

The Volunteers of the Order organised a sparkling brunch at The Phoenicia, Valletta  on Saturday, 27 May 2023. This served as a reunion for those who participated in the Lourdes Pilgrimage. The brunch commenced with an aperitif on The Phoenix Terrace, followed by a lavish set menu. To close off the brunch, a raffle was drawn and various prizes were won. Many thanks to the 70 attendees that participated and contributed towards the success of this event, as well as to the generous sponsors that donated the raffle prizes.

A group of volunteers and patients gathered at il-Veduta, Rabat for an afternoon of Tombola & Tea. Various prizes from generous sponsors were awarded to those who won.

The Order of Malta’s 65th international pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, France, commences this weekend. Leading the pilgrimage is Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap, in his first official engagement after his very recent election by the Council Complete of State. Many of the Capitulars travelled to Lourdes directly from Rome.

This traditional appointment of the Order’s members and volunteers to accompany our Lords the Sick to the Grotto of Massabielle is taking place for the second consecutive time after the forced hiatus in 2020 and 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of the 6,000 participants, there are 1,077 sick people, of whom 201 are children under the age of 12; 191 priests, 14 deacons, 878 pilgrims, 228 doctors, 135 nurses.

The Volunteers of the Order have sponsored the children’s programme for 5 kids and 3 family members participating with the Maltese delegation.

Following a generous donation of 200 Easter Eggs from one of MASMOM’s members, the Volunteers of the Order were asked to help out and see to the delivery of these eggs to various institutions.

VOTO Council Members split the load and delivered the Easter Eggs to the following Homes:

Dar Tal-Providenza
Dar Bakhita and Dar Merhba Bik
Angela House, Ursuline Sisters
Little Sisters of the Poor

The Volunteers of the Order organised a Lenten talk held on 3 April 2023 by Fr Savio at the Salesians Oratory in Sliema. This was very well attended with around 20 members and aspirants present. The topic of discussion focused on the sacrament of reconciliation. Following group reflection, attendees had an opportunity to get together whilst some light refreshments were served.

The popular fund-raising card party was once again held at Villa Arrigo on 14 March 2023. The event was very well attended with over 170 participants and volunteers. Various games including bridge and rummy were played and a delicious tea was served in the afternoon.  Several home-made savoury and sweet dishes were lovingly prepared by many of our volunteers to be sold during the event. The funds raised are attributed towards the children’s programme during the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes this coming May. We are grateful to all those that helped out to make this important event a success. Special thanks go to the generous sponsors and those who helped out in preparing all the delicious food!