In 1858, the Mother of God appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous eighteen times at the Massabielle Grotto, requesting that she prays to uncover a spring of water, to build a chapel and to come in procession. One hundred years later, the Order of Malta launched its International Pilgrimage to Notre Dame de Lourdes in France.
On this occasion, each year during the first weekend of May, Knights, Dames, members and volunteers of the Order from all over the world travel and gather in Lourdes to accompany the sick and differently-abled people, whom we call Our Lords. This year, 7500 pilgrims from over 43 countries accompanying 1400 Lords participated.
The Lebanese delegation has been taking part in the International Pilgrimage since 1983. 200 participants, including 19 Lords and a team of 7 messengers (Children), attended this year’s pilgrimage from 3rd to the 7th of May, 2019.
The first day in Lourdes started with an opening mass for the Lebanese Association followed by the beautiful International Marian Procession.
The next day was marked by the Rosary of the Lebanese Association in front of the Massabielle Grotto during which intentions and prayers of all those unable to attend the pilgrimage, were placed by our little messengers. A candle dedicated to our beloved Lebanon was lit. Medals were given to our Lords at night as well as to the new pilgrims during the international ceremony presided by the Grand Master.
The third day started with the International Mass, attended by more than 23.000 pilgrims from around the world, followed by the traditional group photo of the Lebanese delegation under the shimmering sun.
The exceptional Lebanese “Fete de la Lumiere” followed that night, a highly anticipated event by all delegations who experience Lebanese hospitality at its best, including Lebanese delicacies carefully prepared and shipped by the organizing committee and of course with the remarkable voice of Joumana Medawar and her band, enchanting pilgrims and their Lords to rock the dancefloor!
Heartfelt testimonials were delivered that night, during which, Marc Torbey el Helou, paralyzed following a swimming accident at the age of 29, expressed how his faith was renewed during this pilgrimage and the peace it brought to his heart. “At Lourdes, we are in the Graces of God.”
Danielle, a young 14 year old blind girl, added: “This experience brought back my faith in life and in friendship. For the first time ever, I’m receiving so much without having to give back, it is so selfless! I also really understood the meaning of being accepted in society in spite of our differences.”
The pilgrimage ended with a beautiful lunch by the lake of Lourdes. This year’s closing was truly special, as our little messengers, offered personally made paintings to Our Lords, before heading all together to the final mass.
In the plane bringing her back from Lourdes, Nada Barakat Khawaja, mother of Anthony, a differently-abled young man, pondered if a miracle had happened in Lourdes. She shared with us her thoughts: “Words escape me as I still breath Lourdes’ exceptional spirit. Four days of prayer, humanity, sharing, mutual aid, purity and vows. I’ve witnessed a unique bond between the pilgrims who hastened to give their utmost, opening up to those who are different without fear or restraint, whilst the sick, happy and moved by this generosity, have accepted to reveal themselves and receive this unconditional love. As feelings intertwine, I do believe a miracle took place in Lourdes. The burden of disability has transformed into inner peace, beauty and joy.”
