A blessing of the Michigan Area’s new Order of Malta Mobile Ministries Van was part of this year’s “Lourdes Experience,” attended by Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Trexler, ChDD, Executive Director of the American Association, along with 62 Michigan Area members, candidates, and guests.

The “Lourdes Experience” is an annual event held by the Michigan Area for malades, caregivers, and members of the Order, especially members who have accompanied malades to Lourdes. In keeping with Michigan Area tradition, the event was held on August 14th, the vigil of the Feast of Our Lady’s Assumption.

Archbishop Allen Vigneron, ChC, celebrated Mass at Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham, Michigan. Concelebrating were Msgr. Michael LeFevre, ChM, and Fr. David Tomaszycki.

In his homily, the Archbishop reminded those in attendance that “Our Lady of Lourdes is Our Lady assumed … and an evangelist of the victory over sin and death.”

Like Our Lady, members of the Order are called to be “ambassadors [with] the vocation to carry Christ to other people,” Archbishop Vigneron said.

After Mass, the Archbishop blessed the Order of Malta Mobile Ministries Van, calling it “this vehicle of healing.” The van will be used in various metro Detroit ministries of the Michigan Area, including carrying food, clothing, and supplies to the homeless and transporting patients to and from the Malta Dental and Medical Clinic.

A reception and dinner followed at Holy Name parish hall, where malades Molly Modes and Tim McVean, accompanied by his wife Christi, shared their Lourdes experiences. Dr. Maura O’Connell, sister of Eileen Newell, DM, also offered reflections on her transformative visit to Lourdes. Also in attendance was Sr. Rose Mary Sam, IHM, who has visited Lourdes, and helped others to make the pilgrimage, for almost 50 years.

Angela Moloney, president and CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan, and Janet Baiardi, interim dean of the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) College of Health Professions and McAuley School of Nursing, spoke about their organizations’ collaboration with the Order of Malta that enabled two UDM healthcare students to accompany the Order on this year’s pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Incoming Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, shared a new YouTube video of the Order’s Daily Prayer (click here). Outgoing Area Co-Chairs Barbara and Robert Wilson emceed the event and also briefed the attendees on some of the Area’s recent activities.

The Michigan Area’s next event will be a First Saturday Mass at the Grosse Pointe Academy Chapel on September 2nd.

You can also click here to read the Detroit Catholic‘s coverage of this exciting new project for the Michigan Area.