For the first time in over sixty years – the Sanctuary of Lourdes will not welcome the Order of Malta’s traditional international pilgrimage with the sick. This is a consequence of the Coronavirus pandemic, but it leaves even more a sense of deep regret in all those who would have participated from the five continents.

On Saturday 2 May – the day on which the Order of Malta’s Eucharistic Procession was scheduled – the Rector of the Sanctuary, Monsignor Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, celebrated the Masses at the Grotto of Massabielle, in memory of Grand Master Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto, who recently passed away, for the intentions of the members, pilgrims and Sick Lords.

This special gesture on the part of the Sanctuary and the priests of Lourdes, allowed the Order of Malta’s family to find themselves united again in front of the Grotto, especially at this time of great sadness over the passing of the Grand Master.