Our Lady of La Salette is the name given to the Virgin Mary in connection with an apparition that occurred on September 19, 1846, near the village of La Salette-Fallavaux, in the French Alps.
The 1846 Apparition
Two young shepherds, Mélanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud, reported seeing a "beautiful lady" in tears on a mountain near La Salette. The lady is said to have delivered a message calling for conversion, prayer, and reconciliation, lamenting the lack of respect for Sunday rest and the misuse of God's name.
Recognition and Sanctuary
After a thorough investigation, the Catholic Church recognized the authenticity of the apparition in 1851. A sanctuary was built on the site of the apparition, becoming an important Marian pilgrimage center, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The Message of La Salette
The message of Our Lady of La Salette emphasizes the need for prayer, personal conversion, and respect for God's commandments. It also calls for reconciliation, a central theme for pilgrims who visit the sanctuary.
Celebrations and Influence
The feast of Our Lady of La Salette is celebrated on September 19, commemorating the anniversary of the apparition. The sanctuary, located at an altitude of 1,800 meters, offers a setting conducive to reflection and meditation, enhancing its appeal to pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal.
