The Global Fund for Forgotten People team joined members and volunteers of the Order of Malta from across the world at the Order’s annual pilgrimage to Lourdes in May 2012. For the first time, the International Fund Office had an information desk in the Solitude Hotel, which attracted a lot of interest from members and other pilgrims. We were delighted to have the opportunity to talk to so many people about the Fund, to tell them about what we are doing, and to meet many of those involved in delivering the Order’s works around the world, as well as spending time with the malades and joining the torchlight procession led by the Order on the Monday night. We also hosted a reception for supporters of the Fund, and were honoured to be joined by the Grand Master.
 
The Lourdes pilgrimage says much about what the Order of Malta is, and what it does, in the tenderness and care that the Order’s members and volunteers from all over the world show to the malades. Through the Fund’s grant programme, we look to support and recognise this care and devotion to the sick and the needy and to promote the spirit of Lourdes throughout all of the Order’s worldwide works.  The weekend was inspiring and exciting, and we are looking forward to next year’s pilgrimage.