Order of Malta 67th International Pilgrimage to Lourdes is underway
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.”
In addition to the customary European and North American delegations, there will be representatives from Latin America, especially Argentina, Panama and Guatemala. As for Asia, pilgrims will be coming from the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong. There will also be participants from Australia and New Zealand.
