Excellencies,
Dear Knights, Dames and Volunteers,
Dear Pilgrims,

We gather once again in Lourdes, in this place where Heaven touched the earth, where the Virgin Mary revealed God’s tenderness to His people, and where the suffering find not only consolation, but meaning.

This year marks my 26th pilgrimage to Lourdes, and my third as Grand Master. Each time I return, my sense of gratitude deepens—for this place, and for all of you who give life to this pilgrimage.

This pilgrimage is never routine. Each year reflects the state of the world we bring with us—and this year, that world is marked by deep suffering.

War, division, and instability continue to define our time. Among us are pilgrims from countries profoundly affected by conflict—Ukraine, Palestine, and Lebanon, whose First Lady honours us with her presence. We are also honoured by the presence of the mother of the President of Slovakia. Their participation is not symbolic. It is a reminder that the wounds of the world are here, among us.

We also carry grief that is closer to home.

In recent months, many young lives were lost while serving others. I think in particular of Chadi Ammar, a young employee of our Order in Lebanon, killed in an airstrike while helping his community. He was not a soldier. He was serving – and he paid with his life.

This is the reality of what it means to serve today.

And yet, we are here.

Not because the world is peaceful – but precisely because it is not.

In times like these, distance is not an option. When the world fractures, we are called to draw closer – to one another, and to the Virgin Mary. Like children turning to their mother, we come to her with trust. We ask for her guidance, her protection, and her strength.

This year, we are in total 7,600 participants, a clear sign of fidelity and commitment: this includes
1,300 malades, 260 priests – including 4 Cardinals and 20 Bishops – 600 young people, 450 members of medical staff, 350 children, and 900 pilgrims.

These are not just numbers. They are lives placed at the service of others.

The presence of so many young people matters. They are not here out of obligation, but by choice. That tells us something important: the spirit of service is alive – and it must be sustained.

At the same time, our Order looks forward with hope.

Two causes of sainthood are currently underway within our Order: that of Blessed Gerard, our founder, and that of Fra’ Andrew Bertie, the 78th Grand Master. We commend these causes to your prayers, that they may continue to advance.

But let us be clear: 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.

Our members and volunteers live this reality every day—in Ukraine, in the Holy Land, in Lebanon, and in so many other places marked by suffering. They do not wait for ideal conditions. They serve in the middle of difficulty.

Lourdes gives us clarity.

Here, the malades are not hidden – they are at the centre of daily life. And that alone challenges the logic of the world outside.

Before concluding, I return to the Virgin Mary.

In difficult times, we do not need complicated answers. We need guidance. And like children, we turn to our mother.

We ask her to help us remain faithful.
We ask her to keep us united.
We ask her to show us how to serve—not in words, but in reality.

May Our Lady of Lourdes guide us in these difficult times.
May she draw us closer to one another.
And may she strengthen the mission of our Order throughout the world.

I wish you a meaningful and blessed pilgrimage.

Thank you.