Members of the Michigan Area hosted a beautiful celebration for their Order of Malta Lourdes Experience on August 14th, the Vigil of the Assumption.

A total of 64 people were in attendance for Mass at Holy Name Catholic Church, celebrated by the Most Reverend Allen Vigneron, ChC, Archbishop of Detroit, and the reception after Mass. As has become our tradition over the last four years of hosting this event, the Mass included the “Blessing of the Hands” that serve the sick and the poor.

The reception energy was palpable as the community mingled and celebrated a number of testimonials from past Malades as well as a special presentation during dinner from Angela Moloney, President & CEO of the Catholic Foundation, on our new partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy Nursing School. This partnership will allow the funding of two nursing students to go on the American Association’s Lourdes Pilgrimage each year.

This idea emanated from Rosanne Brugnoni’s experience working with Sister Sam at the City of Hope in Lourdes. Sr. Sam shared about her experience of visiting Lourdes annually for over 40 years.