The Marian apparition at La Salette is one of the most significant and moving events of the 19th century for Catholics. Occurring in 1846 in the French Alps, it deeply touched the faithful throughout the world and had a lasting influence on Marian spirituality and devotion. Two children, Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat, witnessed this apparition, bringing back a message of conversion, penance, and prayer.
I- Context of the Appearance
1. France in the 19th Century
The 19th century in France was a period of great political and social instability, marked by revolutions, wars and changes of regimes. The Catholic religion, although in the majority, was going through times of crisis, with anticlerical movements and a certain disaffection of the population towards religious practice.
2. The Life of the Witnesses
Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat were young shepherds, aged 11 and 14 respectively, living in modest conditions in the village of La Salette-Fallavaux. Their daily lives were marked by agricultural work and a simple life, far from the tumult of the big cities.
II- The Apparition of September 19, 1846
1. The Vision of the Beautiful Lady
On September 19, 1846, while tending their flocks on the mountain of La Salette, Maximin and Mélanie witnessed an apparition. They saw a "beautiful lady" in tears, sitting on a stone. The Lady stood up and spoke to them in French and the local patois, asking them not to be afraid.
2. The Message of Mary
The Lady, identified by the children as the Virgin Mary, delivered a message of great importance. She complained about the sins of humanity, including the failure to observe Sunday rest and blasphemy. She also warned of the calamities that would come if men did not convert and observe God's commandments.
Mary confided individual secrets to Maximin and Melanie, as well as a message intended for all humanity. She urged prayer and penance, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation with God.
III- Reactions and Consequences
1. Ecclesiastical Investigations
The apparition at La Salette quickly attracted the interest of the Church and the faithful. Ecclesiastical investigations were conducted to authenticate the event. After a series of rigorous investigations and testimonies, the Church declared the authenticity of the apparition in 1851, thus allowing the spread of its message.
2. Dissemination of the Message
The message of La Salette spread rapidly throughout France and beyond, reaching millions of believers. Many conversions and returns to religious practice were attributed to the influence of the apparition. La Salette became an important pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from around the world.
IV- The Spiritual Heritage of La Salette
1. The Congregation of the Missionaries of La Salette
In response to Mary's call, a religious congregation, the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, was founded in 1852. Their mission is to spread the message of La Salette, promote reconciliation, and serve Christian communities throughout the world.
2. The Impact on Marian Devotion
The apparition at La Salette strengthened Marian devotion among Catholics. It inspired many prayers, devotions, and spiritual practices centered on the message of conversion and penance. The faithful continue to turn to Our Lady of La Salette for graces and blessings.
3. The Sanctuary of La Salette
The Shrine of La Salette, located at the site of the apparition, has become a major center of pilgrimage. Each year, thousands of pilgrims come to pray, confess, and renew their faith. The shrine also offers spiritual retreats and training programs to deepen understanding of the message of La Salette.
Conclusion
The Marian apparition at La Salette is a poignant event that has marked the history of the Catholic Church. The Virgin Mary’s message of conversion, penance and prayer still resonates today. The witnesses of the apparition, Maximin and Mélanie, played a crucial role in transmitting this message to the entire world. The Shrine of La Salette and the Congregation of the Missionaries of La Salette perpetuate this spiritual legacy, offering the faithful a source of inspiration and renewal of their faith.
