Inspired the most Prayer 

I have never felt the way that I felt in Lourdes. The feeling of inner peace and pure happiness finally came back to me after a long time without recognizing what that was. When I walked into the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, I felt this connection with God where there was trust and understanding. This place inspired the most prayer in me out of all of the places we visited in France. I never have been able to focus and pray for a long period of time, but when I prayed, I had a conversation with God. Praying alongside thousands of people, in different languages, as we recited the rosary made me feel like I truly belonged there. A special moment occurred when the rosary leader prayed in Spanish, and I joined in, reciting the Hail Mary in Spanish instead of English. At that moment, I felt as though my ancestors were looking down on me with smiles. I believe that my late aunt was watching over me, proud of the achievements that had led me to this sacred place.

-Sophia  

Lourdes was an incredible experience. There is this profound sense of hope and faith within the town. It is hard to describe but once I entered the town, there was a noticeable difference in the environment. Throughout the day my mouth was constantly wide open in astonishment. Every building, every story was incredible and a miracle. There were tons of churches, but my eyes were constantly drawn to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. It is a gorgeous church that towers over Lourdes. 

However, it's not just the gorgeous churches that make Lourdes special; it is also the people and faith. Throughout the area, I saw hundreds or perhaps thousands of handmaids. When I first noticed I asked Sister Ernestine about these people. I was shocked when she told me they were all volunteers from all around the world. Their duties are to help pilgrims, especially ones who are sick, experience the blessed water and the Lourdes experience. What's incredible is these helpers are not paid and are doing this service out of love. This shocked and amazed me. To think so many people out there want to do good makes me feel so hopeful. I felt so in awe of the faith within the town and the people who volunteer.

Katie

Prayer within Myself - Kayleigh

I absolutely loved Lourdes, and it impacted me so greatly. Although we had only heard about how powerful it was, I never truly believed it until I was there. I recall watching the procession of the ill and disabled, and seeing so many people was so eye-opening to me. It truly gave me perspective of how many people are struggling in the world. And although there was a feeling of heartbreak that loomed over me while seeing this, there was another feeling of hope, hope because all of these people came together as one to not only pray for their loved ones, but to pray for one another, with one another; and I thought there was something so special about that. Over the trip I found out that my cat had passed away due to cancer, and it was saddening to not have the chance to say goodbye. So I was glad I was able to pray for her in Lourdes, and in a sense that was my goodbye to her. 

The walking Rosary prayer with the candles was by far one of the best moments of prayer that we had the opportunity to be part of. I remember walking out with the candle with my peers, and as we got closer to our destination, I saw the same candle in everyone else's hand. It showed unity among the people, how everyone was there solely to pray and be one with God. I will never forget listening to all of the languages being broadcast over the speakers as we walked. It showed me that even through there are language barriers, we are all still the children of God. This experience has allowed me to not only strengthen my relationship with God, but with myself.