Archbishop Paul Cremona led the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, organised by the Maltese Society for the Transportation of the Sick to Lourdes in July. On their arrival in Lourdes, Mgr Cremona urged the pilgrims to cherish and treasure every single moment and experience during their stay.
Preparations for the annual pilgrimage have been long under way. The visit proved to be a moving, healing experience for all. Many described the opportunity to live for five days so close to the grotto where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette as mental, spiritual and physical healing.
This year, the organising committee did its utmost to accommodate as large a number as possible of sick persons, persons with special needs and those hailing from particularly disadvantaged environments.
Mgr Cremona, Mgr Joseph Mercieca, Archbishop Emeritus, affiliated priests, doctors and nurses, dame and barellieri, and relatives all rallied around the sick to offer their help and support. It was particularly moving to watch the first-time volunteers giving their utmost to rise to the challenge to tend the sick and disabled.
We begin the pilgrimage with a concelebrated Mass in the grotto. One could feel a sense of pride as the readings and gospel, the hymns and the homily were sung and read in Maltese. The presence of our two archbishops, a number of Maltese priests and all the pilgrims contributed to make this a truly unforgettable experience.
The following day, we joined the Italian pilgrimage from Puglia for a concelebrated Mass in Italian in the grotto. Besides participating at these two special occasions in the grotto, the Maltese pilgrims took part in all the main events: the procession of the Blessed Sacrament from the Altar of Adoration to the majestic Basilica of St Pius X, the aux flambeaux procession; participated in the Via Crucis organised for the sick on the plain opposite the grotto and, for the more physically fit, up the steep, winding hill.
The bathing in the miraculous waters of Lourdes was a fitting introduction to the Sacrament of Reconciliation - a spiritual cleansing of the soul and a loving embrace of the Father welcoming us back into his loving care and friendship.
After the International Mass at the Basilica, all concelebrants and participants proceeded to the grotto to recite the Angelus and sing the Salve Regina as a promise of fidelity to Our Lady who beckoned St Bernadette to tell the priests to come to the grotto in procession.
A trip to Gavarnie, with its majestic range of the Pyrenees and stunning waterfalls, and the occasional shopping spree for souvenirs to bring home gave the pilgrims time to relax.
After an almost uninterrupted sequence of 35 years heading this national pilgrimage to Lourdes, Mgr Joseph Mercieca handed over to Mgr Cremona: a fitting moment and prelude to next year's pilgrimage, which will mark the 150th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady in Lourdes.
The organising committee thanked Mgr Mercieca for his assiduous presence, help and support, and pledged their co-operation and support to Mgr Cremona.
This year's pilgrimage was truly momentous, not least for the renewed support and generosity of many benefactors and friends of the society, among them the Community Chest Fund and the HSBC Cares for Children Fund.
Mr Borg is secretary of the Society for the Transportation of the Sick to Lourdes.