MAHONEY SERVES THE SICK IN FRANCE
In July, junior Mara Mahoney went to Lourdes, France through the St. Francis Service Pilgrimage with ten other young adults ranging from ages 16 to 20. St. Francis Service Pilgrimage is a Catholic group that is devoted to Franciscan spirituality and has organized over 80 pilgrimages to destinations all over the world including Poland and Spain. They traveled to The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in order to serve the sick.
Lourdes is a town in southern France. It contains the grotto in which Saint Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary, and now that grotto is considered a Catholic shrine. The Lourdes water inside the grotto is believed to have healing powers. Every year, many people travel to Lourdes in hopes of being physically cured and having a spiritual experience. Mahoney traveled to France to help the sick that would travel to Lourdes.Mahoney and the rest of the group helped the sick get off the train on their way to the grotto, welcomed visitors at masses and assisted with crowd control. While serving the sick in Lourdes, Mahoney interacted with people from many different backgrounds.
“I had the privilege of working with other people from all over the world,” Mahoney said. “It was really moving because even though we could not speak one common language, by the end of our shift we felt so close and it is something I will never forget. Regardless of what we did each day, we knew we were making a difference through our faith.”
Mahoney’s favorite part of the trip was seeing the excitement of the people who had traveled to get there.
“My parents instilled the importance of giving back and helping those in need throughout my childhood,” Mahoney said.
By working with the sick and other volunteers, Mahoney felt her faith was also strengthened.
Other people who have gone on the trip, including Mahoney’s sister and cousin, have shared similar experiences. Kelly Huben, Mahoney’s cousin, has gone on this trip for three years.
“There is not much greater than being able to experience the spirit of Lourdes,” Huben said. “My favorite part of the trip was seeing all the different people from every corner of the world come together in one place where something as simple as a smile might be the only way you can communicate with someone.”
Overall, although the trip had its dues of tasks to complete, the outcome of the trip made it worth it.
“Anyone who is going on this trip should expect to have to do hard work every day,” Mahoney said. “However, getting the spiritual rewards of seeing the miracles happen [gives the trip significance that cannot be replaced].”
