"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."
-Albert Pike
Between February and July of 1858, a young fourteen-year old girl named
Bernadette Soubirous saw apparitions of a “white-robed” lady 18 times in
the small grotto called Massabiele, near the town of Lourdes. The lady would
later reveal herself, “I am the Immaculate Conception”. It was Mary, the
mother of Jesus. One day Our Lady told Bernadette to dig in the mud. As
she did, a spring of water began to flow. The next day it continued to grow
larger and larger. Many miracles happened when people began to use this
water. Since that time, four to six million pilgrims from around the world
visit the shrine each year and more than 200 million pilgrims have come
to Lourdes since 1860. Holy Cross College now offers a special program to
HC and ND students to answer the call to serve the sick and suffering. On
May 23rd, 2008, students from HCC and ND came together for 10 days to serve
the less fortunate. They made the 4,300 mile journey to this small town
in southern France. This unique experience gives students a chance to see
a profoundly spiritual place that people from across the globe visit on
a daily basis.
“Will you wish to do me the favor of coming here?” - Our Lady's Message to St. Bernadette.
Words
cannot describe my gratitude for Casey, Pam and the North American Lourdes
Volunteers for giving Holy Cross and Notre Dame students the opportunity
to experience this wonderful and beautiful experience of faith. The faith
that was depicted in Lourdes was beautiful.
-Katie Galloway HCC Student
The people you will meet are the best reasons to make this trip to Lourdes. I was inspired by the thousands of pilgrims at the processions and international masses.
-Greg Speidel ND Student
For more information or if you're interested in joining next year's trip, please contact:
-Casey St. Aubin, Director of Student Activities
at Holy Cross College
-Brett Perkins, Campus Minister
at the University of Notre Dame