Lourdes – a place where weakness becomes strength and hope is ignited in suffering.
The Maltese begin preparing for their annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Lourdes, France, as early as winter. This allows them to travel in the spring alongside friends with disabilities, to pray for hope, intercession, and comfort. During this preparation period, a Lourdes Candle initiative is held in churches across Lithuania — people are invited to purchase a blessed candle and leave their prayer intentions, which are then taken by the Maltese to Lourdes, to the feet of the Mother of God.
The Order of Malta Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Order of Malta’s pilgrimage to Lourdes began in 1958, marking the centenary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at the shrine, and has taken place every year since. Every May, the beginning of the month is marked by the gathering of Maltese members of all nationalities, united in prayer, processions, and fellowship. For a whole week, the streets of this French town are filled with the uniforms of the Order of Malta pilgrims. This year’s 67th pilgrimage brought together about 7,500 pilgrims from around the world, representing 43 different nationalities. For the first time, a delegation from the Dominican Republic, consisting of seven participants, joined this vast global Maltese community.
This year, the Lithuanian delegation included 82 participants — among them, 20 friends with various disabilities. This journey of hope leaves an imprint on every pilgrim’s heart, whether it’s their first time, a returning traveler, a volunteer, or someone struggling with illness.
This Year Was Marked by Many Firsts and Miracles of Fellowship
Irena Beržinskienė, the Maltese spiritual coordinator who organizes the pilgrimage each year, shared:
“Every Lourdes journey is different. This year was marked by many first-time experiences — some participants were going on pilgrimage for the first time, for others it was their first time serving as a helper, and for many of our friends with disabilities, it was their first journey abroad or their first trip with the Maltese.
And for the first time, at the end of the solemn Eucharistic procession in Lourdes, all Maltese pilgrims and their companions with disabilities were blessed by Bishop Darius Trijonis of the Lithuanian Maltese. Thousands awaited this powerful sign of faith, hope, and consolation — especially meaningful for the sick and those seeking strength. In Lourdes, where many come to pray for physical and spiritual healing, this blessing carries deep emotional significance — many weep, pray, and quietly repeat their intentions in their hearts. It is a confirmation of God’s presence among us.”
Maltese Share Experiences of Friendship That Heals and Opens Paths of Hope
“I went to Lourdes for the second time. My first trip was entirely unplanned — last spring, I intended to walk the Camino, but at a Maltese volunteer gathering, I heard they needed a helper to accompany a person with a disability to Lourdes. I decided to go. This year, there was no hesitation. I had no preconceptions, though I knew what to expect physically and spiritually. I accompanied Donatas — he’s reserved and it was his first time in Lourdes — but there was no doubt about our ability to connect. And I wasn’t wrong. The experience for both of us was special. We’re only beginning to talk about it, it needs time — but I already know that Lourdes is changing us,” shared Paulius, a Maltese volunteer from Kaunas.
Gražina, a Maltese volunteer from Mažeikiai who accompanied Monikutė, a young woman with disabilities, confessed that in Lourdes she prayed not only for the intentions entrusted to her by people in Lithuania but also for those for whom no one prays. Visiting lonely people daily, she often witnesses their pain and emotional suffering — being unwanted and forgotten — and so they need the Virgin Mary’s support and intercession the most.
The Holy Water of Lourdes Will Travel to Lithuanian Shrines
The pilgrimage to Lourdes always leads to the spring that has become the symbol of the sanctuary. Its water is known for its miraculous effects and has touched millions worldwide. The spring was uncovered at the direction of the Virgin Mary during her apparitions to Bernadette. The girl obeyed and, digging in the ground, found a stream that has never ceased to flow since. During the apparition, the Mother of God said: “Drink this water and wash with it.” These words invite each person to accept what God offers — even if it may not look impressive outwardly, the key is to open one’s heart.
Since not everyone can travel to Lourdes, the Maltese brought the holy water back to Lithuania to share with all who hold it as a symbol of hope, a remedy for physical and spiritual health. Everyone is invited to come to the Lourdes shrine in Palanga on May 24 and to the Lourdes shrines in Nemunaitis and Švendriškės on May 25, where Holy Mass will be celebrated and water from the Lourdes spring in France will be distributed.
