French students Johnny Hughes '26 and Andre Clevy-Diaz '26 participated in service trips to Our Lady of Lourdes in France this summer. Both served the sick as part of their respective pilgrimages. Andre's trip, "Lourdes to Lourdes," was organized by his home parish, Our Lady of Lourdes. This article in The Parish Times covers his immersion trip. Johnny participated in a program called Our Lady's Youth Pilgrimage., which partners with the Hospitalité organization created to have volunteers care for the Sanctuary and Pilgrims.

Andre said "My visit to Lourdes was fueled by a desire to serve and support those in need, alongside seeking spiritual growth. The experience of volunteering and providing assistance to the sick and disabled was deeply impactful. I observed firsthand the profound effect of compassionate service and the strength it brings to both those giving and receiving help. This trip not only enriched my understanding of faith but also significantly deepened my commitment to serving others, highlighting the transformative power of service in our spiritual lives."

Johnny shared "I went to Lourdes because I was presented with opportunity by my grandparents, and I thought that it would be a great way to help people, broaden my perspective and let my faith grow. When I was there it felt like the world turned upside down, the Malades came first, everything was accommodated to them. My experience there had a significant impact on me because it showed me that we need to make the rest of the world as accessible as Lourdes is. Even though I was only there for a couples of days my faith grew exponentially, I was really able to focus on myself and my relationship with God."