Debbie

Why did you first decide to join us at a Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience?

A Virtual Pilgrimage had never taken place in Nevada, so this was our first in the state. We know many people who always wanted to go to Lourdes but are unable to, so we wanted to bring the Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience to them.

What has been your favorite aspect of Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience?

Seeing nearly 1000 attendees so spiritually moved by the experience was truly a blessing!

When you think of Lourdes, what do you think of?

The deep faith of so many pilgrims waiting to bathe in the waters, to touch the stone grotto, to fill their containers with the water to take home. It takes your breath away!

How has service with Lourdes Volunteers influenced your faith / daily life?

I want more people to experience the Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience. We have two more scheduled here in Las Vegas in November, and I expect many repeat attendees plus many more first-time attendees.

What would you tell someone considering service and/or pilgrimage with Lourdes Volunteers?

That it’s a most wonderful, spiritual experience in so many ways. One cannot help but be profoundly affected by all that you see: hundreds of faith-filled people being pushed on litters and wheelchairs after an arduous trip just to get there. It can’t be easy for them, yet they want so much to be there and the look on their faces is priceless. Such a moving, powerful and emotional experience!

In what ways do you hope to continue expressing the Message of Lourdes?

We tell everyone we know about our own trip to Lourdes and meeting Marlene there. She made our pilgrimage what it was and took us under her wing by inviting us to join the new volunteers as they were being trained. We can’t say enough about how wonderful she is!