Lourdes pilgrimage: a journey of spirituality and healing to a miracle-working place in Europe

Since 1958, the Sovereign Order of Malta has held an annual pilgrimage each May to the small town of Lourdes in southern France. Located just a few hundred kilometres from the Spanish border, Lourdes — with a population of around 13,000—is comparable in size to the Estonian town of Haapsalu.

Yet every spring, it draws thousands of Order of Malta members from across the globe, including volunteers, clergy, medical staff, and curious visitors from outside the Order. It is one of the world’s most significant pilgrimage destinations, on par with the legendary Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

The Story of Lourdes

The story of Lourdes dates back to 1858, when a 14-year-old French peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in a grotto near the town — a total of 18 apparitions.

During one of the visions, Mary instructed Bernadette to dig into the ground. When she followed the instructions, a spring of water emerged. Ever since, this water has been regarded as miraculously healing.

Millions of people who visit Lourdes each year either bathe in this water or take it home in bottles. The Lourdes shrine includes the Grotto of Massabielle, several basilicas, and hospitals for the sick. What adds to the mystery and sanctity of the site is that the Catholic Church, after thorough investigation, has officially recognised both the apparitions and several of the healings as miracles.

Malta Order’s 67th International Pilgrimage to Lourdes

This year, the Order’s 67th international pilgrimage brought together around 7,400 participants from 43 countries. Estonian pilgrims were among them, taking part for the third time. While the first Estonian group two years ago included just four people, this year’s delegation comprised 28.

Among them were the Order of Malta’s ambassador H.E. Manfred Ritter Mautner von Markhof, the chairman of the Malta Order Foundation’s board Alexander Tsikhilov, board and council members, staff, volunteers, and supporters. Two participants had to withdraw at the last minute. According to foundation director Indrek Petersoo, the aim is to bring 50 people in 2026.

During the five-day pilgrimage, Father Edgaras Versockis celebrated Mass in both the crypt of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and in the grotto of Massabielle—the very place where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette in 1858. Also present was the Order’s Grand Master, Fra' John Dunlap of Canada, who joined the Eucharistic procession for the sick and participated in the solemn pontifical Mass and the subsequent prayer at the grotto.

Valev: A Pilgrimage That Brought Renewal

Valev, one of the Estonian pilgrims, works professionally as a carer and counsellor for people with special needs. What he witnessed and experienced in France left a deep impression — especially the commitment of Order members to serving those in need.

"I realised that this wasn’t just a trip or a sightseeing visit. It was a true knightly pilgrimage,” he recalls.

“There were people in wheelchairs, even on stretchers—people who could never have made it there on their own."

The experience led Valev to reflect on his role in society. He noted that we live in a time of heightened security concerns, with young men volunteering for military service, joining the Defence League, and donning uniforms to protect their country.

"The Order of Malta isn’t a military organisation, but in Lourdes we too wore uniforms. It created a strong sense of unity and understanding that, although we are individuals, we act together for a noble and higher cause."

At first, wearing the Order’s uniform felt strange and burdensome. “ — ”I had never worn it before,” he says. But by the end, it gave him a true sense of belonging.

The impact of the pilgrimage lasted for weeks. “It gave me new energy and strength — both mentally and physically,” Valev says vividly. The journey also allowed for deeper connections with people who had previously been mere acquaintances.

Now, those bonds are much stronger and more sincere. Valev had previously taken part in a major pilgrimage to Krakow, where he formed lifelong friendships. The connections made in Lourdes have also endured and remained active. Such relationships are lasting.

All that remains is to look forward to next year—and to invite everyone, whether religious or not, to experience this extraordinary place in Europe that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.