A 2013 pilgrimage group to Lourdes with the Knights of Malta included Bishop Larry Silva. Courtesy photo
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, April 26 to May 4, to wash in the healing waters of Lourdes, France.
The trip is free for the ill person whose life-changing incident has affected his or her capacity to function independently, whom the Order of Malta refers to a “malade.” However, he or she must travel with a paying caregiver.
A one-sheet nomination form for those who want to be considered as a malade is available from Thomas Cabrinha at thomascabrinha@att.net or (808) 284-3224, or Darryl Wong at dwong@99imperial.net or (808) 381-2711.
The Order of Malta is a lay Catholic religious order founded in 1113 and active in 120 countries caring for people in need. This is the 47th Western Association Lourdes pilgrimage.
Any practicing Catholic who has had a life-changing illness or physical challenge is eligible to be a malade.
The malade must be able to make the long trip to France. Those on dialysis or other treatments that would cause them to miss many of the pilgrimage events at Lourdes, including processions, visits to the grotto spring, meals and Masses, will not likely be selected.
Likewise, the malade’s caregiver must be physically able to participate in all the events and assist the malade if needed. Vaccinations for both COVID-19 and the flu are required.
The pilgrimage leaves from Los Angeles on April 26. The air and land travel cost for the malade’s companion is $3,600.