For one week in May 2026, eleven pilgrims from Kenya travelled thousands of miles from Nairobi to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in southern France. They came as companions, volunteers, chaplains and malades — carrying with them prayers, hopes and intentions from home. The journey itself tested the group long before they reached Lourdes. Delayed trains, changing platforms and difficult connections across France created moments of uncertainty and exhaustion. Yet even these challenges became part of the pilgrimage. A pilgrim later reflected: “You feel something different the moment you arrive. It is a place of prayer, healing and hope.”
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes welcomes millions of pilgrims every year. For many in the Kenyan group, seeing the basilicas and the Grotto for the first time was deeply moving. The evenings were especially memorable. Thousands of pilgrims carrying candles processed together while praying and singing the Ave Maria in many languages. Despite different nationalities and cultures, everyone shared the same spirit of faith.
Throughout the week, the group followed the rhythm of Lourdes: morning Mass, prayer at the Grotto, time with the malades, and evening processions. One of the most powerful moments for many pilgrims was visiting the Lourdes Baths and experiencing the cold spring water connected to Saint Bernadette’s visions of Our Lady in 1858. A pilgrim described the experience simply: The water was freezing, but afterwards I felt renewed — peaceful and strengthened in faith.”
Among the pilgrims was a pilgrim from Nairobi, whose determination inspired many throughout the week. Despite mobility challenges, Judith attended every prayer session, Mass and procession. Supported by fellow companions and volunteers, she became a quiet reminder of the spirit of Lourdes — perseverance, dignity and faith. When asked what Lourdes meant to her, she smiled and said:
“When you pray, God listens.
When you listen, God talks.
And when you believe, God works.”
For the Kenyan contingent, the pilgrimage was also a living expression of the mission of the Order of Malta. Founded in Jerusalem more than 900 years ago, the Order began as a community caring for sick pilgrims. That same spirit continues today in Lourdes through volunteers, medical teams, chaplains and companions serving the malades. One helper reflected: “You realise the work we do back home is part of something much bigger.
As the pilgrimage came to an end, the group gathered for a farewell supper at Sainte Claire. The Kenyan pilgrims stood together and sang Asante Ewe Mungu — “Thank You, God” — in Swahili. The room fell silent as the voices rose in gratitude and prayer. For many present, it was a moving reminder that while pilgrims come from different nations, the Church remains one family united in faith.
The group returned to Nairobi carrying more than memories. They returned with renewed faith, strengthened friendships and a deeper understanding of service. As pilgrims throughout history have discovered, Lourdes is not simply a destination. It is a place that quietly changes people.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.
Saint John of Jerusalem, pray for us.
