Order of Malta’s 68th International Pilgrimage in Lourdes: Asia Pacific Delegation Strengthens Bonds of Faith and Service
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes once again hosted the Order of Malta’s 68th International Pilgrimage, drawing over 7,500 members, volunteers, and patients from around the world to this sacred site in France from 1 to 5 May 2026.
The Hong Kong Association participated with one wheelchair-bound malade, three pilgrims, six members, and six volunteers. Together with 44 participants from Australia, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand, the Asia Pacific delegation joined in this powerful annual celebration of faith and service.
The pilgrimage was led by the Order’s Grand Master, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, accompanied by Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Hospitaller Josef D. Blotz, and Receiver of the Common Treasure Fra’ Francis Vassallo. This year’s gathering renewed a tradition that began in 1958 to mark the centenary of the Apparitions.
Highlights of the spiritual programme included the Holy Mass celebrated on Saturday morning by Cardinal Patron Gianfranco Ghirlanda S.J. at the Grotto, the International Pontifical Mass on Sunday presided over by Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and the closing service officiated by Reverend Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, Prelate of the Order of Malta.
In recalling the spiritual value of the visit to the Massabielle Grotto, the Grand Master observed:
“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.”
A particularly moving moment came from Larry, a Hong Kong malade attending the pilgrimage for the second time. He shared a heartfelt message of gratitude with the Asia Pacific group:
“You see, with my condition, I find it difficult to move my face, my body. But here, among you, I am smiling. Not just with my face, but with my whole heart.”
Larry then said:
“I want to share something with you today. This bracelet from Lourdes, and this miraculous medal — they have given me so much strength and grace on this journey. And now I want to share that grace with you. Please accept them as a small token of what your presence has meant to me.”
The 68th International Pilgrimage once again demonstrated the Order of Malta’s enduring commitment to accompanying the sick and the vulnerable, while reinforcing the strong fraternal bonds among its Asia Pacific members.
