2024 Order of Malta, Tri-Association 11th Annual

Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion

Approved Marian Pilgrimage
Thursday, August 8th – Sunday, August 10th
Champion, Wisconsin

Special Pilgrim Proposal Form

If you have questions, contact Carla at 212-371-1522 ext. 110 or email carla@orderofmaltaamerican.org.

Introduction

To propose a Special Pilgrim for consideration for the pilgrimage, you must be willing to work with the Special Pilgrim and their Caregiver to help them make all the arrangements to attend the Pilgrimage. A key element is that you know the proposed special pilgrim very well, and in your assessment, the person is suited for the pilgrimage and can benefit from it as well. It is required that you will also accompany them on the Pilgrimage.

Things to consider as you propose a potential Special Pilgrim:

• You assume serious responsibility for the candidate and the Association.
• There will be no Medical Team accompanying us on the Pilgrimage.
• Please remember that the trip is moderately strenuous, depending on where you are coming from.
• Some activities require sitting still, riding on a bus, and walking short to moderate distances.
• Many activities are outside. The weather is variable and could be inclement.
• Please include any concerns with your proposal form.
• All candidates must be accompanied by a caregiver.
• All candidates and their caregivers must be mobile; he or she must be able to walk on their own for moderate distances without a wheelchair. Please keep this in mind when you are deciding to propose a candidate.
• All candidates and their caregivers are financially responsible to make their own travel arrangements to and from Green Bay, Wisconsin. If the proposed candidate is approved, sponsors should consider helping them make those arrangements if it is necessary.
• The Association will cover the registration fee, hotel stay, daily meals, and bus transportation to and from the Shrine for approved candidates and their caregivers.
• Only a limited number of Special Pilgrims will be accepted so you should submit your recommendation as soon as possible.

Procedure for proposing a Special Pilgrim:

• Only Knights, Dames, Conventual Chaplains and Magistral Chaplains can sponsor a Special Pilgrim. It is required that you will also accompany them on the Pilgrimage.
• Submit your Special Pilgrim proposal using the form below.  If the candidate is approved by the Pilgrimage Medical Director, the Association office will send you the following documents and instructions:
  • The medical release form which will allow the candidate’s physician to release information to the Pilgrimage Medical Director.
  • Medical forms, if required, to be completed by the candidate’s physician.
  • A Special Pilgrim reservation form, which should be completed online.
• If your candidate is approved, please assist them in submitting the required information requested. The most time-critical documents are: a) the medical release form which must be signed by the candidate and given to their physician and b) the medical form, if required.  If the medical form is required, you must do everything possible to ensure that the physician completes the medical form and sends it and the medical release form to the office as soon as possible.  The Pilgrimage Medical Director will review all forms after receipt and make a determination as quickly as possible.
• The Pilgrimage Medical Director may call you for your observations of your candidate.
• Please tell the candidate about the pilgrimage and what to expect, as best as you can.

You will be notified of the decision regarding your proposed Special Pilgrim as soon as possible. The Special Pilgrim will receive the formal invitation to participate. You must work with the Special Pilgrim and Caregiver to procure appropriate travel arrangements.

• The Special Pilgrim will receive information about the Pilgrimage and the Order of Malta.
• If your candidate is accepted, you are responsible to maintain on-going contact, to convey information, to answer questions and to keep track of the person’s health status.
• Please report any change in the Special Pilgrim’s health status to the Association office immediately.