The Order of Malta had possessed the spirit of pilgrimage since its foundation in the 11th century, when sick pilgrims and those in need of help were looked after in its Jerusalem hospital. Today as in the past, the Order’s members go on pilgrimage to the Catholic shrines worldwide with the people they assist, sharing love and attention for a true life-giving experience.

In October of each year, the three Italian Grand Priories make a pilgrimage to the Holy House of Loreto, led by the Lieutenant of the Grand Master, together with members, volunteers and the malades.

Ever since the Middle Ages, it has been said that the Holy House of Loreto was where the Virgin Mary lived and brought up the young Jesus. In 1469 a large basilica was built around the small sanctuary and now the sacred place attracts four million pilgrims and visitors every year.

For the 2022 pilgrimage, which marks the return of the malades after the interruption imposed by Covid-19, the stand of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s Poste Magistrali in Loreto will use a special postmark dedicated to the pilgrimage with the image of the statue of the Virgin kept in the Basilica of the Holy House.

The stand, operative for the three days of the pilgrimage, from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 October, will be located in a special room on the ground floor of the Apostolic Palace of Loreto.