Order of Malta

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. Who are the organisers of the Lourdes Experience in Singapore?

The “Lourdes Experience” is the brainchild of the Singapore Association of the Order of Malta. It spearheaded the first-ever Lourdes Experience event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2004.

2. What is the Order of Malta? 

The full name of the Order of Malta is “The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta”. It is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. Present in Palestine from around 1050 A.D., it is a religious Order, traditionally of military, chivalrous, noble nature. In addition to the Order being the 4th oldest religious order, it is the oldest order of knighthood in the world. 

You can find out more about the Order of Malta by scanning the QR code or by typing the URL below into your browser orderofmaltasingapore.org


On this site, there are links to the History of the Order, its mission and much more. There are also links detailing the works, projects and ongoing activities of the Singapore Association of the Order. Opportunities to join us as a volunteer and information on how to donate for the various charitable projects and works of the Order can also be found on the website.

3. What is the Lourdes Experience? 

Lourdes, in the South of France, is one of the handful of Marian sites sanctioned by the Holy Catholic church. Many miracles of healing have been attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, our heavenly Mother, for pilgrims who bathe and drink the water of the spring. This water flows from the rock at the grotto where our Lady first appeared to 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous on 11 February 1858. 

Each year in the month of May, the Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta from all over the world including Singapore bring the sick on pilgrimage to this Holy site. 

As the journey is long and arduous for the very sick in Singapore, the Singapore Association of the Order of Malta decided to bring the “Lourdes Experience” to them as well as those who cannot make the trip to France for one reason or another. Simply put, the Lourdes Experience hopes to bless all attendees at the event with an experience of the grace, peace and healing that pilgrims receive at Lourdes. Hence, the Lourdes Experience started in 2004. 

4. How often is the Lourdes Experience held?

It is held once every four to five years. 

5. When is the next Lourdes Experience? 

The 5^th Lourdes Experience will be held on Saturday, 7 December 2024.

6. Where will it be held? 

It will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

7. What is the duration of the event?

The entire programme is expected to last approximately 5 hours.

8. What is the tentative programme of the event? 

There will be Holy Mass presided by Cardinal William Goh and concelebrated by many priests; exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; blessing of the Sick; candlelight rosary procession; and, Stations of the Cross.

These activities replicate the daily activities at Lourdes. 

9. How and where do I get tickets to this event? 

Tickets will be made available through the respective parishes. Distribution of tickets is expected to begin in October. Watch out for announcements in the Church bulletin and your parish notice boards.

10. Order of Malta, Singapore Social Media 

We will also share more details as we get closer to the event date on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Keep in touch by liking us on our Facebook page at Order of Malta Singapore and follow us on Instagram @orderofmalta_singapore! 

11. Admission 

Admission is strictly by a valid ticket and every person needs a ticket. Infant in arms will not be admitted without a ticket.

12. How much will the tickets cost? 

The tickets are free. Donations and love offerings to defray the cost of the event are very welcome. 

13. Priority for the Sick on Wheelchair

The Sick who are wheelchair bound will need to pre-register with your parish office. An application form will need to be completed and submitted through your parish office to the Order of Malta, Singapore. All applications will be reviewed by the Order of Malta, Singapore.

Those verified to be fit to attend the 5-hour event will be allocated wheelchair spaces on the Premier Floor. A seat will be allocated to the accompanying caregiver.

Due to limited space, only one caregiver will accompany one malade on wheelchair.

14. Motorized Mobility Scooters/Wheelchairs

For the safety of all patrons especially the sick and frail, all motorized personal mobility aids (PMDs) are not permitted inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Only manual wheelchairs are permitted.

15. Security 

Due to security reasons, all attendees will be required to submit to a thorough bag check and body scan to gain entry into the stadium. You are advised not to carry large bags and to arrive early in order to go through the security checks on time. 

16. Food and Drinks

For security reasons, water and other drinks are not allowed into the Indoor Stadium. However, empty bottles are allowed to be brought into the venue. Water dispensers are placed all around inside the venue.

According to SportsHub’s rules and regulations, food cannot be brought into the venue. Food can be purchased from the kiosks inside the venue.