Lourdes was a place where you could feel the presence of Jesus because you were so close to his Mother. No one in Lourdes leaves without being changed in some way - whether finding peace or spiritual, emotional, or physical healing. Daily, you see the face of God smiling at you in the faces of the Dames and Knights who have come to serve. It was a blessing for me to be a part of the pilgrimage.
Each May, nearly 4,500 Knights and Dames from all over the world travel to Lourdes to learn firsthand what belonging to the Order of Malta really means -- devotion, service, and fellowship. Dressed in distinctive uniforms and ministering to the sick and disabled (referred to as malades in French), the members of the Order form an international community of faith and service.
Making the pilgrimage can be a profound religious experience. Linked as it is with hands-on service, the pilgrimage offers unique spiritual gifts to all. Knights, Dames, Auxiliary members and volunteers are assigned to small teams, assisting a different malade each day from early morning into the evening. The schedule is full, but rewarding, and there is time for reflection and relaxation. There are doctors and nurses on hand to assist the teams and the malades.
In addition to being a tremendous spiritual experience, the pilgrimage can also be a very enjoyable time. You will meet and work with other Knights and Dames from the Federal Association, and from around the world.
There is a limit on the number of people who may participate on the pilgrimage. A set number of spaces are reserved for malades and their companions. After that priority will be given to Knights and Dames (and their family members), candidates in formation, Chaplains of the Order, and members of the Auxiliary. All other applications will be considered after these first two groups are established. These reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis and a stand-by list will be created.
O, my Mother, in your heart I place all the anguish of my heart
and it is there that I gain strength and courage.
April 28
Depart Baltimore/Washington Airport
April 29
Arrive Lourdes, France
April 30-May 4
Pilgrimage Activities, including: visit to the Grotto and the Baths, Pontifical Mass, procession of the Blessed Sacrament, candlelight Marian Procession, Rosary Service, visit to home of St. Bernadette, tour of French countryside
May 5
Depart Lourdes; Arrive BWI Airport
Full Tour
Includes round-trip airfare on a chartered, aircraft from Baltimore, MD (BWI) to Lourdes, France (both flights are non-stop); all lodging (double occupancy), meals, and gratuities.
$3,300—Knights, Dames, spouses and family members
$3,300—Candidates of the Classes of 2010 and 2011
$3,800—Non-members/volunteers
$1,950—Young Knights & Dames, Members of Auxiliary (ages 21-35)
$1,950—Chaplains of the Order/Clergy
Lourdes Only
includes all lodging (double occupancy), meals, and gratuities.
$1,950—Knights, Dames, spouses and family members
$1,950—Candidates of the Classes of 2010 and 2011
$2,450—Non-members/volunteers
$1,950—Chaplains of the Order/Clergy
- Our group stays in three hotels - they are side-by-side and very close to the Domaine.
- The Association charters a spacious 767 aircraft to fly directly form Baltimore to Lourdes. This is a two-aisle aircraft with 259 seats. Both flights are non-stop.
- A valid passport is required, and must be valid through November 6, 2010.
Applications are available on-line to members of the Order, Candidates, Chaplains and members of the Auxiliary.
My trip to Lourdes was an extremely fun and spirtual experience. It was so wonderful to see and "relive" Bernadette's experience. The peacefulness of the Domaine was indescribeable. It was wonderful to go to Mass daily. I loved hearing Masses said in different languages and hearing the Ave Maria sung all day. I felt so much closer to Mary and God, and I feel the same here at home now. I made so many friends and I was treated like a King by the Order of Malta.