The Wilsons – Barbara, DM, and Robert, KM – are legendary in the Michigan Area Order of Malta for their leadership and work ethic. But despite their untiring devotion to the Order and its ministries, they seemed unlikely candidates to host the American Association’s 2025 Lourdes Pilgrimage: The Wilsons had only been on the Lourdes Pilgrimage once before.

But that did not stop American Association President Ken Craig, GCM or Pilgrimage Co-Presidents Stacey Reisman, DM and John “Mitch” Mitchell, KM from tapping Robert and Barbara to co-host the 2025 Pilgrimage.

The wisdom of this choice was evident from the start. True to form, Barbara and Robert – past Michigan Area co-chairs – did not waste any time in putting their imprint on this year’s Pilgrimage, starting months before the departure for Lourdes. They chose a special theme, “Hope through the Virtue of Union with Mary” and introduced participants to the 54-day Rosary Novena, a devotion dear to the Wilson family. 

Robert explains, “Our theme for the Pilgrimage, ‘Hope through the Virtue of Union with Mary’ had its roots in our family devotion to the 54-day Rosary Novena and the Fifth Glorious Mystery of Mary’s Coronation as the Queen of Heaven. In that mystery, we concentrate on the coronation of Mary as the Queen of Heaven and union with Mary as our most powerful intercessor with the Trinity: With God the Father as His Daughter, God the Son as His Mother, and God the Spirit as His chosen Spouse. Barbara’s and my devotion to the 54-day Rosary Novena comes from my mother Betty, who was a Dame of the Order of Malta and prayed this devotion daily for 77 years.”

The 2025 pilgrimage was a multi-generational affair for the Wilson family. Not only was Betty’s memory the inspiration for the Pilgrimage theme, but Robert and Barbara were joined on the Pilgrimage by their daughter Kiki, her husband Colin, and their grandson, Charles. Charles, one of the youngest Malades on the pilgrimage, lit up the crowd daily with his “huggies” – affectionate embraces or hand squeezes that he would share with anybody who asked. 

Though the family ties made the Pilgrimage extra special for Robert and Barbara, their loving touch and spiritual leadership were felt by all the 2025 American Association pilgrims. Robert and Barbara’s inspiration centered the Pilgrimage on the spiritual healing of the United States and the hope of spiritual and physical healing for the 2025 Pilgrimage Malades, all through a closer relationship with Mary and, of course, her Divine Son.

Barbara reflects, “We particularly find this hope of healing through our Blessed Mother and her special place in Lourdes as the Queen of Heaven. Our processions are directed to her and the Grotto. Mary’s mystical appearance to Bernadette continues to unite us on Pilgrimage to our Blessed Mother, giving us a window to God and the hope of deep healing both physically and spiritually. In Lourdes, the Queen of Heaven always awaits her children!”

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