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.
In keeping with its Hospitaller character and the spirit with which Fra’ Gerard imbued the Order—the Federal Association participates in a weeklong pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine in Lourdes, France. The Order of Malta traces its origins to a hospice for pilgrims in Jerusalem. The word hospice comes from the Latin word for guest or stranger. The hospice was a safe haven for pilgrims who arrived following long, rigorous, and often dangerous journeys. Founder, Fra’ Gerard, and his fellow knights, cared for the wounded and sick of all faiths.
Each spring, the International Order of Malta sponsors a pilgrimage - numbering over 5,000 from throughout the world - to Lourdes, France where our Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette over 150 years ago. The motivation is to bring Malades (French for "the sick") and their companions to this holy shrine continues to be a place of reconciliation, healing, and grace. The Malades are cared for by the Knights, Dames, clergy, physicians, nurses, and auxiliary members of the Order. In 2008 - the Jubilee Year - the Federal Association sent 335 pilgrims of which there were 46 Malades and 47 companions.
O, my Mother, in your heart I place all the anguish of my heart
and it is there that I gain strength and courage.
Once in Lourdes, each day is filled from near-dawn to dusk with visits to the Grotto and the Baths, Masses—some with thousands of worshipers, processions of the sick, Eucharistic processions, and, the unforgettable candlelight processions—held each evening with thousands of pilgrims from around the world. The “Ave Maria,” sung by people of all nationalities, fills the air and can be heard every evening from the hotels.
Pilgrims participate in the spirit of Lourdes in small, quiet—but no less-meaningful-ways. There are times reserved for quiet reflection, personal visits to the Grotto, spiritual counseling, and confessions. There is, of course, time reserved for fun—for it would not be a true pilgrimage otherwise. Many enjoy their newfound friendships, fostered in this atmosphere, by shopping in the quaint stores in town, going out for a nice French meal—or even pizza, sitting over a café au lait at one of the many small sidewalk cafés, or playing card games. There is a countryside tour of the picturesque and bucolic towns of the surrounding area and a farewell banquet and talent show on the last night. Many relationships formed while in Lourdes develop into lifelong friendships—cemented forever in the shared experience of this holy place.
The pilgrimage is open to Knights, Dames, candidates, auxiliary, spouses, and family members who may attend in the spirit of assisting the Malades—or as Malades themselves. Malades and their companions—of any denomination—are welcome to apply to attend the pilgrimage. There is a formal application process and medical questionnaire, made available in October. A member of the Association’s Medical Committee interviews all prospective Malades and offers financial assistance to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.
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.