This week – for the first time in over sixty years – the Sanctuary of Lourdes will not welcome the Order of Malta’s traditional international pilgrimage with the sick. This is a consequence of the Coronavirus pandemic, but it leaves even more a sense of deep regret in all those who would have participated from the five continents.

On Saturday 2 May – the day on which the Order of Malta’s Eucharistic Procession was scheduled – the Rector of the Sanctuary, Monsignor Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, will offer the celebration of Masses at the Grotto of Massabielle, in memory of Grand Master Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto, who recently passed away, for the intentions of the members, pilgrims and Sick Lords.

The time of the Masses and their broadcast on television is scheduled as follows (Lourdes local time):
9:00 a.m. Holy Mass in German (EWTN TV broadcast).
10:00 a.m. Holy Mass in French (broadcast TV Lourdes and KTO)
11:00 a.m. Holy Mass in Italian (broadcast TV Lourdes)
4:00 p.m. Holy Mass in Spanish (TV broadcast Lourdes and EWTN)
5:00 p.m. Holy Mass in English (TV broadcast Lourdes and EWTN)

The afternoon will be followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary, in various languages, at the following times (Lourdes local time):
2:30 p.m. Rosary in Spanish (Lourdes and EWTN TV broadcast)
15:00 Rosary in English (Lourdes and EWTN TV broadcast)
3:30 p.m. Rosary in French (Lourdes and KTO TV broadcast)
6:00 p.m. Rosary in Italian (TV Lourdes and TV 2000)
6:30 p.m. Rosary in German (TV broadcast Lourdes and EWTN)

A special gesture on the part of the Sanctuary and the priests of Lourdes, which will allow the Order of Malta’s family to find themselves united again in front of the Grotto, especially at this time of great sadness over the passing of the Grand Master.