Volunteer Maltese from Passau ensure health for pilgrims in Rome

Volunteer Maltese from Passau ensure health for pilgrims in Rome

A dedicated team of Maltese people from Passau and the Freyung-Grafenau district recently successfully completed a week-long assignment in Rome. The volunteers were working as part of the Holy Year, which is traditionally celebrated every 25 years. As the Passauer Neue Presse Reportedly, the group returned last weekend from their significant mission, which was of great importance to many of the pilgrims and tourists.

A total of almost 500 volunteers from all over Germany were deployed in Rome to ensure medical services for the numerous pilgrims and visitors to the eternal city. Together with other Maltese people from European countries, they provided first aid in busy St. Peter's Square - one of the central locations during the Holy Year.

The Holy Year: Pilgrims of Hope

The current Holy Year has the motto “Pilgrims of Hope” and attracts millions of believers to Rome every year. This special event required an increased medical presence as the number of pilgrims is high due to the festive occasion. The Malteser headquarters in Cologne coordinated the operations to ensure that all visitors are offered high-quality first aid that goes beyond the usual level, as well as the Trier rescue dog team highlights.

The operation includes not only St. Peter's Square, but also the four major papal basilicas: Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and San Pietro. Here the Maltese worked on behalf of the Vatican to ensure efficient first aid. Markus Bensmann, the overall operations manager, reported on a well-coordinated collaboration from a medical and spiritual perspective, which enabled the volunteers to be there for the pilgrims in regularly changing shifts.

International commitment and support

The Maltese groups consist of a diverse team consisting of a doctor, a nurse and two paramedics. The volunteers work under the special challenges that come with working outdoors and ensure rapid first aid in urgent medical emergencies.

The volunteers from the Oldenburger Land, who will travel to the Vatican at the end of May, are only part of the big picture. Together with other teams, they also ensure the pilgrims' first aid, which underlines the international and intercultural exchange within the Order of Malta. The commitment extends until January 11, 2026 and aims to ensure continuous medical care during this important Holy Year, as the Church and life page informed.

Overall, it shows that the Maltese not only act as saviors in times of need, but also build a bridge between faith and medical responsibility - a combination that is invaluable in these moving times.