Today in Lourdes, France, the impact of the Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage: Legacy of Sr. Rose Mary Sam Scholarship is on full display.

Riya Panicker, this year’s scholarship recipient, is walking in the footsteps of Sr. Rose Mary Sam, serving alongside members of the Order of Malta and accompanying malades seeking healing of spirit, mind, and body.

She is joined by Joseph Francis and Justin Francis, the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s 2024 and 2025 scholarship recipients. Joseph and Justin were first introduced to the Order of Malta through this scholarship. Now, they have returned to Lourdes to serve as Auxiliary Members.

The Order of Malta offered only a limited number of pilgrimage spots for the 2026 journey. In Michigan, just four individuals were selected and three of them were Riya, Joseph and Justin.

Their presence is a powerful reminder of what donor generosity makes possible.

This is the fruit of generosity: providing opportunity, forming exceptional young people, and helping students encounter Lourdes in a way that transforms how they see faith, service, and care for others.

Though Sr. Rose Mary Sam can no longer make the journey herself, this scholarship fund carries forward what she so faithfully lived for nearly fifty years: inviting others to Lourdes, forming young hearts through service, and bringing Christ’s compassion to those seeking healing. Through this scholarship, Sr. Sam’s legacy continues not only in the lives of the medical students it supports, but also in the many lives they will go on to impact.

We are grateful to the Order of Malta and for all who make stories like Riya’s, Joseph’s, and Justin’s possible, helping form young people whose care reflects God’s mercy and brings healing into the world.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!