Annual Service Trip to Lourdes Has Lasting Impact on Students and Alumni

September 13, 2012

Pilgrims journey from around the world to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in southern France. Their visit is an expression of faith and a petition for healing. This past June, St. John’s University sent 10 undergraduates, two graduate students and an alumnus for an additional, sacred purpose — to serve.

The annual trip to Lourdes— which took place this year on June 8 – 18 — is part of the Plunge Program sponsored by St. John’s Campus Ministry. Accompanied by Campus Ministry staff, students gather at the holy waters of Our Lady of Lourdes to assist the pilgrims who come in search of healing.

For wounded soldiers, those who are ill and all men and women of faith, Lourdes is a very special place.  Catholics from around the world gather in prayer to the Blessed Mother, who appeared 18 times to the young Bernadette Soubirous, now recognized as St. Bernadette. There have been 67 confirmed miracles at the French shrine, with many more in review today.

Read full story