Special to the Herald
The Order of Malta Western Association USA is looking for Hawaii Catholics with a life-changing illness or physical challenges to go on a pilgrimage next year, from April 29-May 7, to wash in the healing waters of Lourdes, France.
The trip is free for the individuals, which the Order of Malta calls “malades.” One paying caregiver is permitted to accompany the ill or physically challenged person.
To be considered for the pilgrimage, contact Thomas Cabrinha at thomascabrinha@att.net or (808) 284-3224 or Darryl Wong at dwong@99imperial.net or (808) 381-2711.
The malade must be physically able to make the trip. Those on dialysis or other treatments that would cause them to miss processions, visits to the grotto spring, meals and Masses would not likely be selected.
The malade’s caregiver also must be able to participate in all the events and assist the malade if needed.
The pilgrimage leaves April 30 from Los Angeles International Airport on a chartered Air Tahiti Nui direct to Lourdes. The air and land travel cost for the malade’s companion is $3,800.
Malades and caregivers must pay for their airfare to and from Hawaii and are asked to be in the Los Angeles airport no later than April 28 so as to not miss the chartered flight.
While in Lourdes, daily meals, transportation and lodging are taken care of. Incidental costs are not included.
Financial assistance is available upon request.
The Order of Malta is a 900-year-old international lay Catholic religious order that cares for the sick and poor in need. This is the 50th Western Association Lourdes pilgrimage.
