VIPs catch up with Lourdes pilgrimage

Archbishop Paul Cremona this morning travels to Lourdes to join the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes of the Maltese Association of the Soverign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), which began on Friday afternoon.

He was originally meant to lead the pilgrimage but both he and President Eddie Fenech Adami, who is also taking part, had to postpone their departure from Malta due to former President Sir Anthony Mamo's state funeral.

The SMOM pilgrimage, which includes 34 sick persons accompanied by 123 helpers and 168 pilgrims, returns on Tuesday. It coincides with celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Our Lady's apparitions in Lourdes.