An interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals from the University of Malta joined the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes organised by the Ghaqda Maltija ghat-Trasport tal-Morda (UMTAL) from 14 to 19 July 2025, offering medical and pharmaceutical support to 185 pilgrims, including 30 assisted pilgrims requiring specialized care.
Led by consultant surgeon and UMTAL President, Dr Joe Debono also a member of the Department of Medicine and Surgery within the at the University of Malta, the team included four pharmacists namely , , Dr Rebecca Marie Falzon, and Dr Sarah Marie Falzon from the , Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta ; Doctors Dr Ray Gatt and Dr Catherine Gatt from the Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta and radiographer from the at the University of Malta.
During the pilgrim, the team worked around the clock alongside nurses and carers from government and nongovernment institutions, to assist pilgrims in addition to serving also at Accueil Marie Saint Frai, a hospital designed specifically for traveling pilgrims needing specialised care. Their efforts allowed pilgrims to participate meaningfully in religious events including the Via Crucis, the Aux Flambeaux procession, the Maltese Mass at the Grotto, the International Mass, and the Eucharistic Procession.
The pilgrimage was spiritually led by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, assisted by UMTAL chaplain Fr Joe Mizzi, Fr Joe Cini, and Fr Charles Cardona, fostering a deeply enriching spiritual journey.
