Ritratti: Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta – Ian Noel Pace

Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna delivered a powerful message of hope and solidarity to Maltese pilgrims today, celebrating Mass at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the 167th anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s apparitions to Saint Bernadette.

Speaking to the 185 pilgrims who have travelled from Malta for the annual four-day pilgrimage, Archbishop Scicluna underlined that those enduring illness or bearing any cross need never feel alone in their suffering.

“The yoke of Christ is every trial borne in His name,” the Archbishop said during his homily at the sacred grotto. “A loved one’s suffering that becomes your own? This too is the yoke of love. Illness endured, loneliness weathered – these are sharings in His Cross.”

The Archbishop reminded the faithful of Christ’s invitation from Matthew’s Gospel: “Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He stressed the importance of being present in one another’s lives, particularly during times of trial.

Today’s Mass held special significance as it took place precisely between the dates when Our Lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 – between 11 and 16 July. The Archbishop led the congregation in prayer for the Maltese and Gozitan people, asking Our Lady to accompany them “at the hour of our death.”

The pilgrimage, organised by the Maltese Association for the Transport of the Sick to Lourdes (UMTAL), includes 50 patients accompanied by 70 volunteers and a comprehensive medical team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and a radiographer. President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and members of various religious orders have joined the group.

Following the Mass, Archbishop Scicluna led the Via Crucis, a 17-station journey reflecting on Christ’s final suffering moments. The pilgrims are participating in various religious functions throughout their stay, including the international Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and the evening torchlight procession known as Aux Flambeaux.

UMTAL has been facilitating this pilgrimage since 1930, making it possible for individuals who, due to health challenges, might otherwise be unable to visit this sacred sanctuary. Lourdes has officially recognised 73 miracles, all occurring during Eucharistic processions.

The Archbishop’s message resonated deeply with pilgrims who have travelled seeking spiritual healing and comfort. His words offered particular solace to those facing illness or caring for loved ones in distress.

The pilgrimage, which began on Tuesday, concludes tomorrow evening, with participants returning to Malta enriched by their experience of faith and compassion at one of Christianity’s most revered sites.