Dale belongs to the Order of Malta, a Papal Order established in 1113. Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society.
The most visible project of the Order is the Shrine in Lourdes, France. The shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, in France, began in the 19th century AD. In 1858 from February 11 to July 16, a 14-year-old peasant girl, called Bernadette Soubirous, saw a vision of the Virgin Mary while playing in the stream with her sister and friend. 6.6 million pilgrims from around the world make the journey to the Shrine each year seeking comfort for their suffering through religious ceremonies, processions, and various forms of prayer.
The Order of Malta conducts a pilgrimage to Lourdes the first week of May each year, with 25-30,000 members of the order converging for a week of prayers and care of invalids, or maladies. The order sponsors 3,000-5,000 malades and companions for the pilgrimage at no cost to the malades.
The beauty of the setting at the foot of the Pyrenees, the magnificent cathedral and structures, the powerful history of miracles, the mass processions and ceremonies, and, above all, the offering of comfort and prayers by the Dames and Knights of the Order and reception of that comfort for those suffering is a moving experience for all.
Dale has participated in this annual pilgrimage for many years and thoroughly enjoyed a return to her natural skill as a caregiver and her skills as a trained nurse.
