Malade Selection Weekend

The Order of Malta Federal Association conducted its annual Malade Selection Weekends on February 21 in Houston, Texas, and February 28–March 1 at Mercy Medical Center at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. These weekends marked an important and prayerful step in preparing for the Association’s Lourdes Pilgrimage which commences April 29, 2026.

A total of 104 Malade applications were received this year, reflecting the growing interest and deep faith of those seeking to participate. After careful review, the Committee conducted 17 in-person interviews in Baltimore and 10 in-person interviews in Houston.

The Selection Committee is chaired by Dr. Harry Johnson, working closely with Chief Nurse Marguerite Baxter, and Assistant Head Nurse Laura McGarry. In total, nearly 50 doctors and nurses generously offered their time and professional expertise to evaluate applicants and ensure appropriate medical care and support could be provided for them during the pilgrimage.

Rev. Thomas Malia celebrated Holy Mass for the Medical team on Saturday and Sunday morning, grounding the work of the committee in prayer and spiritual reflection.

Also present during the weekend were Chairman of the Lourdes Committee Derek Ritzel, President Ernie Bono, Secretary General Charles Cornelio, and Executive Director Deacon Michael Stankewicz, whose leadership and support helped guide the process with diligence and compassion.

With a plane capacity of 303 passengers, the Federal Association’s Knights, Dames, and clergy will accompany 48 Malades and 52 companions, ensuring that those selected receive attentive medical care and the opportunity to experience the grace of pilgrimage in Lourdes, France within a supportive community.

The Malade Selection Weekend stands as a powerful witness to the Order’s mission: serving our lords, the sick and suffering, with reverence, professionalism, and faith.  As the selection process began, Dr. Johnson shared a heartfelt prayer he wrote for the gathering.

Prayer for the Discernment of the Malades for Lourdes

Heavenly Father,

Today we stand before You aware of the privilege and the gravity of this moment.

One hundred beloved souls have stepped forward in hope.

Only 48 can be chosen.

And every name represents a story, a cross, a longing, and a heart that trusts.

We ask You to send down Your Holy Spirit upon this process —

upon each of us who interviewed the Malades,

and upon every conversation, every list, every decision.

Holy Spirit, Spirit of Wisdom and Counsel,

be the unseen Voice in the room.

Quiet every distraction.

Remove every trace of pride, preference, or pressure.

Grant clarity where there is uncertainty and peace where there is weight.

Our Lady of Lourdes,

You who looked with tenderness upon Bernadette, look now upon each Malade who has applied.

You know their suffering more intimately than we ever could.

You know the hidden tears, the quiet courage, the fragile hope.

Mother, place your mantle over this selection process. If there are hearts You especially desire to draw to the Grotto this year,

gently guide these hands.

If there are souls whose healing will unfold in unseen ways at home,

hold them close and assure them they are not forgotten.

May this not be merely a logistical decision,

but a work of divine mercy.

Let those who are chosen feel truly called.

Let those who are not chosen feel deeply loved.

Lord, we trust that Lourdes is not just a place —

it is Your invitation.

And You are already present in every step of this discernment.

We surrender the outcome to You.

May Your will be done.

May Our Lady walk among them.

May the Holy Spirit breathe peace into every decision.

And may all be done for Your greater glory

and for the comfort of Your suffering children.

Amen. 

We are on our pilgrimage journey in life serving through the Order of Malta and we endeavor to share this sacred journey to Lourdes with our malades and companions.  May we continue to pray for our malades from previous years and for those who will not be able to join us this year.  Many will come seeking a miracle, but being in Lourdes is the miracle.  As St. John Paul II said, “It is in the heart of the sick that Mary makes Her Son’s voice heard.”