Mary

Why did you first decide to join us on pilgrimage?

I attended an NALV Medical Conference in FL in 2017 and decided I wanted to go to Lourdes on one of their Special Needs Pilgrimages.

What has been your favorite aspect of service?

The combination of two loves of my life, my Catholic faith and my career as a Pediatric ICU nurse.

Favorite memory of Lourdes?

Walking with my fellow nurses in the Eucharistic Procession just a few feet behind the priest who was carrying the Blessed Sacrament in the Monstrance.

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

Great peace and unspeakable joy. Our Lady called me there to bring me closer to her Son.

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

At work, it has changed my perspective on caring for children with special-needs and their families, especially after spending a week with my special-needs pilgrim and her family. In my faith life, I am drawn ever more strongly to attend Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Another great blessing has been how our medical team still keeps in touch with each other daily through prayer and uplifting messages. I have also encouraged my sisters to host a Virtual Pilgrimage at their church in MA this November, and I will be flying there to attend it with my daughter Hanna.

What would you tell someone considering pilgrimage with Lourdes Volunteers?

Make the commitment to go. Your life will be changed forever.

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

I have been given permission to be an NALV ambassador at my parish. I will be speaking about the NALV at all the Masses on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I hope to have a number of people from our parish travel to Lourdes with me and my youngest daughter next June. Another special grace from my Pilgrimage has been sharing some of the Lourdes water that I brought back with me.

Anything else you wish to add?

After the NALV Medical Conference, I told myself that if I couldn’t go to Lourdes, at least I could bring the Virtual Pilgrimage to our Parish. After coordinating the Pilgrimage with Fran Salaun at St. Anne last October, I knew without a doubt that I was being called to Lourdes by Our Lady.