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Lourdes Pilgrimage “does not exhaust, but exemplifies” Order’s mission, archbishop tells Michigan Area members at August 14 “Lourdes Experience”

08/21/2025 

The Order of Malta’s motto – “Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum” – represents “two aspects of a single charism,” said Detroit Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron, GCChC, principal chaplain to the Michigan Area.

The archbishop celebrated Mass at the Michigan Area’s August 14 “Lourdes Experience,” a signature event for the Area. Concelebrating Mass was Fr. John Maksym, the Archdiocese’s Episcopal Vicar for Clergy Discipline and a chaplain in formation for the Order. Assisting at Mass was Deacon Dave Casnovsky, Special Assistant to the Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life.

Now in its eighth year, the “Lourdes Experience” is an opportunity for Order of Malta members, malades, and caregivers to share reflections on that year’s pilgrimage. As in past years, the event was held on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with supper and a program following Mass. The venue was Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham, Michigan. Over 80members, malades, and caregivers attended.

Before Mass, five relics were displayed for the veneration of the faithful: Two first-class relics of St. Bernadette (hair and flesh) and a second-class relic (piece of her habit), plus a fragment of the True Cross and a piece of the manger where the Infant Jesus lay. Sean Shriner, KM, arranged for the relics to be present. The second-class relic of St. Bernadette is housed at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit; the other relics are from the collection of Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Detroit’s Greektown neighborhood.

American Association Hospitaller Anne Peach, DM, proclaimed the first reading at Mass. Bill Wood, caregiver to malade Erica Wood, gave the second reading. Kiki Connery, mother and caregiver of Lourdes malade Charles Connery, read the Prayers of the Faithful.

In his homily, Archbishop Vigneron said his theme was inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s message to the Order on the occasion of the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist, the Order’s patron. Drawing on the Pope’s message, the archbishop explained that “care for the sick and poor is the way to proclaim God’s love for them … to concretely transmit the faith.” Order of Malta members defend the faith against sacrilege in witnessing, through their service, that “the immarginalized are made in God’s image.” In defending their dignity, “we defend the dignity of Jesus,” he said.

The archbishop, a veteran of 12 Lourdes Pilgrimages with the Order, added that the Lourdes Pilgrimage “does not exhaust, but exemplifies” the Order’s charism.

“Our charism, with its dual purpose, can rightly be called Marian,” he said. “Our Lady’s work is not done … at Massabielle, she brought a message of love for God’s little ones …. We participate in Our Lady’s vocation through our participation in the Order’s vocation.”

Special moments included Archbishop Vigneron leading a number of Michigan Area members in making or renewing their Consecration to Jesus through Mary. The archbishop also conducted the “Blessing of the Hands That Serve” for Michigan Area members and others.

At the conclusion of Mass, Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, led the members in the Order’s Daily Prayer.  He also presented Archbishop Vigneron, who officially retired as archbishop of Detroit this past March, with a token of appreciation: An icon of Our Lady with St. Bernadette, written by iconographer Donna Nelson, DM. 

After supper, Andy Smith moderated a program in which members of the Order, malades, and caregivers shared their pilgrimage experiences.

Archbishop Vigneron, who participated in this year’s pilgrimage, said a Dame advised him on his first pilgrimage: “At Lourdes, there are once in a while cures – but there are always healings.” Fr. Maksym observed that when he goes to Lourdes, “I really feel [Our Lady’s] presence” and commented that he was particularly inspired by the caregivers of young malades: “My priesthood was so impacted by the faith they demonstrated.”

Also speaking were this year’s pilgrimage co-chairs, Robert Wilson, KM, and Barbara Wilson, DM, who explained how they drew inspiration for this year’s pilgrimage from Pope Francis proclaiming 2025 a “Jubilee Year of Hope.” The Wilsons’ grandson, Charles, was a malade on the pilgrimage; his parents Kiki and Colin Connery spoke about their experience as caregivers. Malade Linda Franklin and Chuck Gaidaca, KM also shared observations. Mike Bonventre, KM, and Sue Bonventre, DM, were unable to attend; Andy Smith read their statement to the group. Similarly, Eileen Newell, DM, read a statement by Karen Jabczenski, caregiver to malade Ava Jabczenski.

Special guest Anne Peach brought greetings from American Association President Ken Craig, adding that the Michigan Area “is on fire! It’s incredible what the Michigan Area is doing … this is the happening place, Detroit!”

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Order of Malta

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