International Pilgrimage of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to Lourdes which will this year take place between today and 7 May. The donation was presented by David G. Curmi, CEO of Mapfre MSV Life to Dr Kevin F. Dingli, Hospitalier of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

For the 2019 pilgrimage to Lourdes, various Grand Priories, Sub-Priories and National Associations of the Sovereign Order of Malta, hailing from around 45 countries worldwide, are expected to descend upon Lourdes making the first week of May a special one dominated by the presence of the Order.

Dr Dingli explained that the Maltese contingent will this year be 300-strong, flying out to Tarbes in two aircraft specially chartered from Air Malta. "The group, which will be led by Marchesino Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, president of the Maltese Association, will consist of a number of members, volunteers, pilgrims and 57 sick people, referred to by the Order as 'Our Lords the Sick'," explained Dr Dingli.

Curmi said that Mapfre MSV Life was pleased to support such a worthy cause that provides support and solace to sick people who wish to visit the Holy Shrine in Lourdes. "The Sovereign Military Order of Malta spares no effort and resources in the organisation of this annual pilgrimage with members, supported by volunteers and medical doctors and nurses, taking care of the sick around the clock throughout the visit. This is an initiative that supports the members of our communities who are going through a difficult time in their lives and it is worthy of our support."

During the pilgrimage, the members and volunteers all wear the distinctive Lourdes uniform of the Order.