International Pilgrimage to Lourdes / Lourdes Children’s Programme

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.