For the third year in a row, the Estonian delegation participated in the Order of Malta International Pilgrimage to Lourdes which took place on May 1-5, 2025.
During the five-day pilgrimage, Father Edgaras Versockis, the Chaplain of the Order in Estonia, celebrated Mass in the crypt of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Lourdes, as well as at the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
On May 2, the Prelate of the Order of Malta, Reverend Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, co-celebrated the Holy Mass for the Estonian delegation in the Chapel of St. Maximilian Kolbe.
One of this year’s highlights was undoubtedly the meeting with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, His Eminence John T. Dunlap.
This time, the Estonian delegation consisted of 28 people, which is the largest figure ever.
Indrek Petersoo, leader of the Estonian delegation recalled: “This was the third time Estonian pilgrims took part in the Order of Malta’s international pilgrimage. Two years ago, there were just four of us in Lourdes — this time, we were 28, although two participants had to cancel at the last minute. This clearly shows the growing interest and engagement of our Order’s community and friends in the pilgrimage and shared activities.”
“We would also like to thank our A,bassador Manfred Ritter Mautner von Markhof and Aleksandar Hangimana, the supervisory board member of Order of Malta Estonia for their generous support in financing the pilgrimage,” Petersoo stated.
