The Marian apparition of Notre Dame de La Salette is one of the most well-known and beloved apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church. It took place on September 19, 1846 in the French village of La Salette, located in the French Alps. The apparition was seen by two young shepherds, Mélanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud, who were both aged 14 at the time.
The Apparition
The apparition of Our Lady of La Salette was a unique one in that it was seen by two people at the same time. The two children, Mélanie and Maximin, were tending their flock on the mountain of La Salette when they saw a beautiful woman of great stature sitting and weeping. She was surrounded by a light and was dressed in a robe of grey and blue, with a white veil covering her head. The woman was identified as the Blessed Virgin Mary, and she had a cross on her chest.
The Message
The Blessed Virgin Mary spoke to the two children and gave them a message for the world. She said that her people had become too sinful and that God was angry. She asked the people to repent and to pray, to be more devoted to the Church and to make more sacrifices. She also asked that people not work on Sundays and that they go to confession often. Finally, she asked that people respect the Sabbath and that they keep it holy.
The Aftermath
The two children returned to the village and spread the message of Our Lady of La Salette. It was soon accepted by the local clergy and the message was spread throughout the Catholic world. Soon, the apparition of Our Lady of La Salette became one of the most beloved apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Sanctuary of La Salette
In 1852, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette was built in the village of La Salette. It became a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics from all over the world, who came to pray and honor the apparition of Our Lady of La Salette. The sanctuary is still active today and is a popular destination for pilgrims.
The Legacy of Notre Dame de La Salette
The apparition of Our Lady of La Salette is still revered today by Catholics all over the world. Her message of repentance, prayer, and devotion to the Church still resonates with many people. The sanctuary of La Salette is still a popular pilgrimage destination and the two shepherds, Mélanie and Maximin, are still remembered as the witnesses of the apparition.
Conclusion
The apparition of Our Lady of La Salette is one of the most beloved and well-known apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church. Its message of repentance, prayer, and devotion to the Church still resonates with many people today. The sanctuary of La Salette is still a popular pilgrimage destination and the two shepherds, Mélanie and Maximin, are still remembered as the witnesses of the apparition.