From 2 to 6 May 2025, a delegation of 35 people from Romania took part in the Order of Malta’s 67th annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.
This year, the Romanian delegation consisted of Knights and Dames of the Romanian Association (AROM), volunteers from the National Relief Corps (SAMR), and representatives of the Embassy—as well as the most important attendees, the Malades (our Lords the Sick) and their companions.
The Order of Malta Romania officials on the pilgrimage included the Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Romania, HE Roberto Musneci KM; SAMR Secretary General, Mihaily Dénes KM; SAMR President, Tischler Ferenc KM; AROM Chief Chaplain, Fr. Gabriel Popa; as well as Communications Delegate for AROM and Communications Coordinator for the Embassy, James Michael Wilson KM.
The Romanian Delegation took part in a wide range of events, Holy Liturgies, processions, and more. The Romanians had the particular honour of leading the torch-lit Marian Procession on the evening on Monday 5 May.
At the end of the pilgrimage, Ambassador Musneci stated, “Lourdes proved once again to be a thoroughly spiritually renewing experience.” Adding, “The annual pilgrimage is a cornerstone of our Order, and we are proud to have had one of the largest Romanian delegations to date join thousands of our friends from around the globe—including Italy, Hong Kong, Kenya, Ethiopia, Canada, Australia, among many others.”
The pilgrimage also saw the anniversary of the election of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, HMEH Fra’ John T. Dunlap, on 3 May. The whole membership and wider family of the Order of Malta Romania warmly congratulate Fra’ John on this milestone.
