HOUSTON -- Several hundred Vietnamese Catholics made a faithful pilgrimage to Missouri over the weekend.  Many returned from that journey Sunday night and are carrying deep scars after witnessing the bus accident that killed 17 and left many others with injuries.

"I saw the rescue operation. I was there and an hour and half," said Vinh Nguyen, who was in Missouri over the weekend. 

Vinh Nguyen rode on a second bus that stopped at the accident scene just moments after it happened.

"I've never seen so many ambulances just like that. Every time I see a dead body pulled out...man, I just cried. I just cried," said Nguyen.

Nguyen and the others continued on their pilgrimage to Missouri, but their hearts never left Sherman. 

"Very sad, but thankful that we all have strong faith.  Even though they can not make it to Missouri, we are sure they can make it to heaven," said Truc Nguyen.

On the way home, they made another stop in Sherman to honor those lost.

"On the way home we stopped by the accident and we prayed together," said Nguy

Before making their way back to Houston, Nguyen said they stopped on the side of US 75 and held a vigil.

Now that the group is back at home in Houston, they said they will never forget the accident and the victims.

“It just gives us a better appreciation for life.  Just reminds us how short and precious life is,” said James Tran.

Christ Incarnate Word Catholic Church is also in mourning. At least two of its member died in the crash. Holy Rosary Church in downtown Houston also lost a parishioner. This brings the number of local churches who lost members up to five.

"We've got many, many calls," said Pastor Joseph Vu.

Paster Vu said support has flooded in from all over the globe and a fund has been established to help the victim's families.

"This is the whole world. I've gotten letters from bishops in Vietnam. It's spread all over," said Vu.

Memorial services will be held at Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church Wednesday night. Similar services will be held at Lady of Our Lavang Church at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will likely be on Saturday at both churches.