Lourdes, the sick and service
The parish group O.F.T.A.L.
A group set up to bring the spirit of Lourdes into the community and to offer practical support to the sick and the elderly.
A bit of history…
Five letters with a long history behind them
What does Oftal mean…
OPERA FEDERATIVA TTRANSPORT APATIENTS TO LOURDES.
It was way back in 1932 when, after miraculously emerging unscathed from a railway accident, Monsignor Rastelli, originally from Borgo Vercelli, entrusting his life to Our Lady of Lourdes, had the inspiration to form a small group of people who could accompany the most suffering to the Immaculate Virgin in Lourdes, assisting them and staying by their side throughout the pilgrimage. Young people, adults, ladies and stretcher-bearers, driven by a great love, set off with a smile, to devote themselves to those in pain, receiving in return far more than they had given.
No one could have imagined that from that group, a large family would emerge, with 18 branches spread throughout Italy.
The group within the community
Why have an Oftal Group in our parish?
To try to bring a little of Lourdes, and its message, here too. 11 February 2002, the anniversary of the first Apparition of the Virgin at Lourdes, marked the beginning of our group’s journey, following an explicit request made to the parish priest by a stretcher-bearer and a long-standing lady member.
Over the years, various initiatives have been organised, aimed primarily at the elderly and the sick, on the Day of the Sick and on the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary, culminating in 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, when, as part of ‘Christmas for the Sick’, we would gather to exchange festive greetings and play a game of tombola, whilst also taking time for prayer.
We have organised a number of pilgrimages, both at parish level and by joining the Diocesan Pilgrimage, as well as several trips to nearby Marian shrines.
Our group also has the opportunity to temporarily lend medical aids, such as wheelchairs, to those in need.
Looking ahead
What does the future hold for our group?
The Covid pandemic temporarily halted our activities, which resumed on 11 February 2023. We are currently facing difficulties, partly due to a shortage of volunteers to ensure a new generation takes over.
We are asking our parish community for help. The commitment required is not great. If anyone is interested, please let the parish office know that you are available.
Find out more
Links and contacts
Find out more about our activities or contact the parish for information.