The Order of Malta Western Association U.S.A. is looking for Hawaii Catholics with “a life changing illness or physical challenge” to go on a pilgrimage next year May 1-9 to bathe in the healing waters of Lourdes, France.
The trip is free for the person with the illness, whom the Order of Malta refers to a “malade,” but he or she must travel with a paying companion.
A one-sheet nomination form for those who want to be considered as a malade is available through Darryll Wong. Contact him at dwong@99imperial.net or (808) 943-3106. He will arrange to interview nominees and their companions.
The Order of Malta is a lay Catholic religious order founded in 1113 and active in 120 countries through humanitarian works. This is the 44th Western Association’s Lourdes pilgrimage.
According to Wong, “any practicing Catholic who has had a life changing illness or physical challenge is eligible” to be a malade. The malade must be well enough to make the long trip to France.
Those on dialysis or other treatments that would cause them to miss pilgrimage events in Lourdes, including processions, visits to the baths, meals and Masses, will not likely be selected. Likewise, the malade’s companion must be physically able to participate in all the events.
Nomination sheets must be turned in before Nov. 15.
The pilgrimage will leave from Los Angeles on May 1. The air and land travel cost for the malade’s companion is $3,600. The land-only cost is $2,700.