Air Malta assists the Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John with annual pilgrimage to Lourdes

2 May 2016

Date: Friday, 29 April 2016
Ref: 034-2016

Air Malta has been engaged to operate again dedicated flights for the Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John for its annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, in France. A total of 320 passengers made up of the official contingent of the Knights and Dames of the Order, together with a group of patients travelled to Lourdes assisted by many volunteers and carers. This trip marks the annual congregation of the Knights of the Order who converge at Lourdes from all over the world.

The Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John organizes such a pilgrimage every year on the first weekend of May, and Air Malta provides the necessary uplift by means of dedicated direct charter flights from Malta to Lourdes and back.
 
Air Malta has for many years supported such organizations like the Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John with transportation needs for these important annual pilgrimages, in accordance with their mission. On such occasions, Air Malta and its staff and crews take special care to look after passengers with special needs, and to provide the maximum care and attention during the flight journey to and back to Malta. 

The Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of St John of Jerusalem is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization. It is a lay religious Order, traditionally of military, chivalrous, and of noble nature, but devoted to the exercise of Christian virtue and charity. The Knights of Malta are distinguished by their commitment through voluntary work to reaching their spiritual perfection within the Church and to expending their energies serving the poor and the sick.

“For some, this trip is a one-time experience that would help to alleviate some of the stress and pressures that they experience in their daily routine. Over many years, Air Malta, conscious and proud of its social role as the airline of the Maltese islands, has been at the forefront to organize various trips to Lourdes for many organizations like the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.  As a national airline, we take great pride in offering our care and resources to such organizations”, commented Mr Joseph Galea – Deputy Chief Commercial Officer of Air Malta.
 
Both Air Malta and the Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta have a long-standing relationship to work together and to convey the best support to vulnerable people from the local community. 

Air Malta is proud to feature the eight-pointed Maltese cross on its aircraft livery, the same cross borne by the Knights of Malta, that symbolize the spirit of hospitality and social responsibility towards the Maltese community.


Picture shows one of the two groups before departure to Lourdes. Photo credit: Air Malta/Jason Muscat CaptureMe Photography

-ends-


 

1