Serving with the Order of Malta for the Vatican Jubilee 2025: A Pilgrimage of Service and Faith

February 23, 2025 Valletta, Malta

Having the opportunity to serve with the French Association of the Order of Malta during the Vatican Jubilee in Rome was both an honor and a privilege. It was an experience filled with faith, camaraderie, and the spirit of service that defines our Order. The Order has been tasked with the crucial role of running the 1st aid posts at the four Papal Basilicas for Jubilee 2025 all year long. Every week a different country association is responsible for supplying 8 teams to fill the posts. Each team is composed of a Dr, Rn and two helpers.

Upon arrival, we checked in for our briefing and received our official volunteer kit: a multicolored Jubilee tie for men, a twilly for women, an arm badge emblazoned with the Maltese Cross and Jubilee emblem, and a municipal transportation pass. Each of these symbols reminded us of our shared mission, to welcome and assist pilgrims from around the world.

A Journey Through the Papal Basilicas

Our first day of service began on Sunday at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. It was a remarkable place to start, serving at the shrine that houses the sarcophagus of St. Paul. While we didn’t encounter any medical emergencies, we had the privilege of witnessing thousands of pilgrims pass through the Holy Doors, seek confession, and unite in faith. In that moment, we were not only immersed in the ancient history of the Church but also playing a role in its ongoing story.

Our second post brought us to St. Peter’s Square, where we manned the permanent Malta first aid station, founded in 1975 and open daily. Unlike our previous post, this location had a few calls to action, assisting pilgrims who had taken a minor fall or felt unwell. During our downtime, we had the chance to visit the Basilica and ascend to the top of the Cupola, where we were treated to an awe-inspiring view of the Square and the Eternal City. Standing atop St. Peter’s, we truly felt on top of the world, blessed with a unique and privileged perspective.

Next, we made our way to St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome. Our municipal passes made for an enjoyable morning commute, allowing us to soak in the city’s breathtaking fusion of ancient and modern life, casually riding past sights like the Coliseum, Piazza Venezia and the Roman Forum felt like a dreamy time warp. At the Basilica, we served at a small first aid post near the bathrooms, a location that saw a steady flow of visitors. Volunteers from The Catholic Templars were on traffic duty, guiding the crowds. Amid our service, we took a moment to visit the Treasury Museum, where we encountered priceless relics, including what is believed to be a table from the Last Supper, housed in one of the side altars. It was here that I received confession from Father Schilling, a Franciscan priest from Belgium, completing my pathway to plenary indulgence.

Midweek, we were welcomed at the Aventine, where we enjoyed a tour of the grounds, attended a church service, and learned about the storied history of the property. The highlight of the visit was the moment we received our decorations for service, a testament to our shared commitment to the Order’s mission. It was a joyous occasion filled with silver platters full of libations and hors d’oeuvres served by white gloved waiters, group photos, moments of reflection, and a rare glimpse into life behind the famed Aventine Keyhole.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Our final day of service was bittersweet, as we knew our time in Rome was coming to an end. Santa Maria Maggiore was not a Basilica I was particularly familiar with before this experience, but it quickly became a place of deep admiration. Though our service there was brief, we provided care to a Basilica employee in need and participated in Adoration. The Basilica’s sacred relics, including a piece of the manger from Bethlehem, left us in awe. The grandeur of the artwork adorning its walls and ceilings perfectly embodied the passion and history of our living faith. Pope Francis has requested to memorialize his eternal rest here.

As our mission concluded, we returned our credentials and were presented with a certificate from the Vatican in recognition of our service. More than just a token of appreciation, it symbolized the bonds we had formed and the impact we had made. Whether offering a smile, providing simple directions, or administering first aid, we had the privilege of welcoming, comforting, and guiding thousands of pilgrims on their journey of faith.

An Invitation to Serve

The Jubilee of 2025 is still underway, and there is still time to answer the call. If you have the means, I encourage you to take part in this extraordinary celebration of faith. Volunteering for the Order of Malta at the Vatican Jubilee is an experience unlike any other, one that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. If you can’t volunteer, think about making a pilgrimage.

Join us in making a difference. Sign up today and be part of history in the making.