The 68th edition of the annual International Pilgrimage of the Order of Malta to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes took place from 1 to 5 May with the participation of about 7,500 pilgrims from 44 countries, including over 5,000 members and volunteers of the Order, c. 1,300 malades, 450 doctors and nurses, and 282 religious.
One of the highlights of the religious program was the Holy Mass celebrated in the Grotto on Saturday morning by Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda SJ, Cardinal Patron of the Order of Malta. On Sunday, the International Pontifical Mass was presided over by Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and the closing service was celebrated by Venerable Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, Prelate of the Order of Malta.
This year, despite the ongoing conflict, Lebanon was once again among the many countries represented, with the special participation of Lebanon’s First Lady, Nehmat Aoun, who travelled to Lourdes with members and volunteers of the Order’s Lebanese Association and met with the Grand Master. The meeting aimed to reaffirm the deep bond between the Order of Malta and Lebanon, with particular emphasis on the numerous humanitarian and social activities carried out in the country.
The Grand Master also took the time to visit the Polish delegation, which this year counted a record 220 participants. Following the visit, Ambassador Lorijn and Polish Association President Jacek Tarnowski awarded pilgrimage medals to each of the guests.
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.
