Our first full day of Pilgrimage in Le Puy was nothing short of breathtaking. We were all amazed by the beauty surrounding us, enamored and overtaken by God's presence. As we walked the same ground as the first faithful Sisters, all I could think of was the title of one of my favorite songs by a group called All Sons and Daughters: "Heaven Meets Earth." Le Puy is a touch of heaven--a proclamation of God's goodness; the irresistible, the captivating, the wildly beautiful glory and majesty of God. As we prayed together in the chapel of Saint-Michel D'Aiguille, roamed the Cathedral Norte Dame and climbed to the most holy, Blessed Mother, God touched our hearts. He exposed our need for Him and called us closer to His saving mercy. I am in awe after our first day. God whispered to my heart and reminded me that His peace surpasses all understanding. We connected with God in a tangible, moving way. We connected with the Sisters of St. Joseph and allowed their faith to enliven us. We connected deeply with one another. God is moving!
To close, I want to share some reflections that the pilgrims wrote in a journal we are keeping for the trip!
"Today was lovely. I still can't believe that we all got to come here and experience France. While walking in the streets and bobbing in and out of the storefronts, I felt in awe that I could tangibly touch and see the sights I had previously only dreamed about. It almost felt as though I was experiencing France through Google street view or a dreamy old-fashioned movie. The first day is nearly over and I can't wait to wake up and see what tomorrow will bring."
-Brittany
"It still doesn't feel real. We're in France and I feel so blessed, so glad I get to share this experience with the rest of the group. I am so excited for all that we have left."
-Carolina
"Not only was today beautiful, but everyone here is too! One thing I love (that we learned today) is that people home the highest places like St. Michel to be as close to God as they can be. Turns out, I felt wonderfully close to Him, and I can't wait to see where this week takes me on this faith journey and with my newly made friends."
-Sarah
"This experience is better than I could have ever dreamed. To see so many students who love God as much as I do is incredible. To know I am growing in faith with such incredible people touches my heart. I love learning about each of these people. It feels like I have known them for years."
-Emily
"The first day has been so incredible. Everyone is so amazing and I am excited to spend the rest of the week with them. I loved hearing about the other schools the sisters have founded. I'm looking forward to this week."
-Daisy
"Going up the stairs to the chapel was a struggle, but then seeing the view was breathtaking. Another awesome thing was when we were saying prayers and the power that had."
-Monica
"I'm realizing that everyone expresses their Catholicism differently. Even Emily and I are different. I think that's the beauty of it--God has touched us uniquely. We are all so taken by the beauty of Le Puy. It is pretty, but imagine if we looked at our homes with the same awe in God's creation maybe this life would be so much happier. We (Veronique, Mary & I) found a waterfall!
-Amanda
To close, I want to share some reflections that the pilgrims wrote in a journal we are keeping for the trip!
"Today was lovely. I still can't believe that we all got to come here and experience France. While walking in the streets and bobbing in and out of the storefronts, I felt in awe that I could tangibly touch and see the sights I had previously only dreamed about. It almost felt as though I was experiencing France through Google street view or a dreamy old-fashioned movie. The first day is nearly over and I can't wait to wake up and see what tomorrow will bring."
-Brittany
"It still doesn't feel real. We're in France and I feel so blessed, so glad I get to share this experience with the rest of the group. I am so excited for all that we have left."
-Carolina
"Not only was today beautiful, but everyone here is too! One thing I love (that we learned today) is that people home the highest places like St. Michel to be as close to God as they can be. Turns out, I felt wonderfully close to Him, and I can't wait to see where this week takes me on this faith journey and with my newly made friends."
-Sarah
"This experience is better than I could have ever dreamed. To see so many students who love God as much as I do is incredible. To know I am growing in faith with such incredible people touches my heart. I love learning about each of these people. It feels like I have known them for years."
-Emily
"The first day has been so incredible. Everyone is so amazing and I am excited to spend the rest of the week with them. I loved hearing about the other schools the sisters have founded. I'm looking forward to this week."
-Daisy
"Going up the stairs to the chapel was a struggle, but then seeing the view was breathtaking. Another awesome thing was when we were saying prayers and the power that had."
-Monica
"I'm realizing that everyone expresses their Catholicism differently. Even Emily and I are different. I think that's the beauty of it--God has touched us uniquely. We are all so taken by the beauty of Le Puy. It is pretty, but imagine if we looked at our homes with the same awe in God's creation maybe this life would be so much happier. We (Veronique, Mary & I) found a waterfall!
-Amanda
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