Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Paul Cremona leads annual pilgrimage to Lourdes

Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Paul Cremona led the annual pilgrimage in Lourdes from August 30th until September 4th 2018. A group of one hundred and ninety-two Maltese pilgrims attended this pilgrimage organized by the Assoċjazzjoni Voluntarji Lourdes (AVL).
This year’s pilgrims included patients, volunteers including youths, doctors, nurses, carers and priests among others. Each patient had one or two helpers assigned, depending on the case. Among them were nurses and doctors from the Renal Unit at Mater Dei Hospital who saw that these patients had their dialysis treatment while staying in Lourdes.
The group attended the Aux Flambeaux procession, the Via Sagra and an international mass which was celebrated on Sunday besides mass in Maltese at the grotto. Mgr Cremona said the blessing at the end of Aux Flambeux.
Each year, the Association assists sick persons to travel from Malta to visit the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes at the Grotto, where she appeared for the first time to Bernadette Soubirous on the 11th February 1858.
The Association promotes universal devotion towards Our Lady, organises and co-ordinates pilgrimages for the sick to Lourdes. It brings together dedicated persons inspired by charity to voluntarily assist the sick throughout such pilgrimages.
Those who would like to join the Association for their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes next year, can follow its Facebook page Assoċjazzjoni Voluntarji Lourdes – AVL. This year’s pilgrimage wouldn’t have been a success if it wasn’t for the expert advice and financial support given by Air Malta and Malta International Airport.

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