On the occasion of the Order of Malta’s 67th International Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Grand Master John T. Dunlap received the City Medal from Thierry Lavit, Mayor of Lourdes. The ceremony took place yesterday at the Château fort de Lourdes. This was a recognition made even more significant because it occurs in 2025, the year of the Jubilee of Hope proclaimed by the late Pope Francis.

“We took the theme of the Jubilee Year,” said the Grand Master in his gratitude speech, “to celebrate the Order of Malta’s 67th International Pilgrimage to Lourdes, whose motto was ‘With Mary – Pilgrims of Hope’”. “An appointment,” added Fra’ John T. Dunlap, “which represents the beating heart of our charism”.

Some 7,400 pilgrims from 43 different countries gathered at the foot of the Grotto of Massabielle, including 1,200 hospitallers, 440 doctors and healthcare workers, 250 religious, 500 young volunteers and 200 children. “Numbers,” – the Grand Master stressed – “which, better than words, bear witness to the vitality of our mission and the strength of our commitment to serve the weakest and the suffering”.

Photo credits: Sovereign Order of Malta / Célian de La Rochefoucauld