Dar tal-Providenza residents take part in annual pilgrimage to Lourdes

A group of around one hundred and ninety pilgrims took part in the annual pilgrimage in Lourdes between August 22nd and 27th. The annual pilgrimage, that was led by Fr Josè Debono, is organizsed by the Assoċjazzjoni Voluntarji Lourdes (AVL). Making part of the group were three Dar tal-Providenza residents together with Sr Lorenza Borg and their support workers.

This year’s pilgrims included patients, volunteers amongst them a number of youths, doctors, nurses, support workers and priests among others. Each patient had one or two helpers assigned to him or her, 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 a mass in Maltese at the grotto.

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.

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