THE shift from Paris to Lourdes was noticeable, Brisbane archdiocese World Youth Day pilgrimage leader Steph Rogers said.
“The first two days in Paris were beautiful and it’s been amazing to see the response of faith from the pilgrims already,” she said.
“Visiting places like the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal and St Vincent De Paul were quite significant for some pilgrims.
“St Vincent De Paul has an incredible legacy not only for Catholics, but for the secular world too.
“So to visit his chapel and be face to face with his body, had quite an effect.”
She said there was a similar experience visiting the place where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared and shared the miraculous medal with St Catherine Labore.
Mrs Rogers said the pilgrims, many of whom wore miraculous medals, were overwhelmed with gratitude for the impact of the miraculous medal in their life.
She said many pilgrims prayed with thanksgiving for the lives of St Catherine Labore and St Vincent De Paul, who brought them closer to Jesus.
Mrs Rogers said Paris was exciting for a lot of the pilgrims, especially the chance to see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower as well as the newness of being in Europe – many for the first time.
She noticed a strong change in the atmosphere of the pilgrimage having arrived in Lourdes.
She said the comments from many of the pilgrims are that they prefer Lourdes for its sense of peace, calm and sacredness.
“There has been a greater sense of prayer and reverence and being spiritually filled here,” she said.
“Lourdes has also given us a foretaste of World Youth Day with so many pilgrims already in Lourdes.
“We met many young people from different countries who are also on their way to WYD.”
The pilgrims have now arrived in Portugal and are about to start WYD’s main week of events.
