UMTAL’s committee were hosted by their patron, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, at the Curia, where he was informed about proceedings and gave his blessing for the society’s annual pilgrimage for the sick to Lourdes between July 16 and 20.
UMTAL (Unione Maltese Trasporto Ammalati a Lourdes) is a non-profit voluntary organisation established in 1931 by the Archdiocese of Malta where medical and non-medical volunteers make it possible for people with various medical and physical problems to travel to this blessed sanctuary.
Relatives are also encouraged and welcome to join. Fr Joseph Mizzi, recently appointed UMTAL’s spiritual director, will also accompany and lead the various religious activities organised during the pilgrimage.
Throughout the year, the diocesan society participates and organises religious celebrations for the sick and elderly, including an annual concelebrated Mass on February 11, World Day of the Sick, which coincides with the anniversary of Our Lady’s first apparition in Lourdes.
Applications for the pilgrimage are being accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and noon during April and May at UMTAL’s office at 129, Archbishop Street, Valletta (tel:7922 6606). Interested applicants may also e-mail info@umtalmalta.org or visit their Facebook page UMTAL – ‘Għaqda Trasport għall-Morda f’Lourdes’.