I am looking so forward to the 2025 Pilgrimage to Lourdes. It is one of the premier works of the Order for us all throughout the world. We, the American Association will join the Federal and the Western Associations, all bringing our beloved Malades, their caregivers and the Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta to the healing waters of Our Lady’s Shrine in Lourdes, France. But, it will not be just the Americans – we will be joined by our brothers and sisters from the Order of St. John of Jerusalem throughout the world. Order of Malta Associations and Priories from Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas will journey to this beautiful place of faith, hope and miracles. We will process, wash in the blessed water, sing, pray and rejoice in the Glory of God and the benevolence of our Blessed Mother.

St. Bernadette was the poor peasant girl that Our Lady chose to be the messenger of her special words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Thousands of pilgrims every year pass through the gates of the Sanctuary where peaceful quiet dominates the grotto where Our Lady appeared. Mass at the very spot where the Blessed Mother spoke with Bernadette Soubirous is an unforgettable experience. This year, our Principal Chaplain, Cardinal Dolan, will once again celebrate this Mass with dozens of chaplains of the Order.

To touch the very stones of this sacred place puts us in contact with more than the world can comprehend. I have been blessed to share in the work of the spiritual direction of our American Association for many years. This year will be my first time back to Lourdes since the beginning of the pandemic. I look forward with great anticipation to sharing an experience of blessed grace with my fellow Chaplains, Knights and Dames, our Auxiliary and Volunteers. Our work will concentrate on our beloved Malades and their experience of the graces and blessings that come from the journey to this most sacred place, the Shrine of our Blessed Mother at Lourdes.

I cannot forget that we will be joined from afar by our Malades-In-Spirit who are unable to journey physically to Lourdes but will be connected throughout our pilgrimage in prayer and remembrance. We will be praying for them during all our moments of prayer and they will be praying for us during each day of the pilgrimage.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES, PRAY FOR US!!

Rev. Msgr. Robert Ritchie, GCChC, Chief Chaplain