Episode 1515: The Apparition of La Salette

The Apparition of La Salette refers to a reported Marian apparition that took place on September 19, 1846, in the French Alps near the village of La Salette-Fallavaux. According to the accounts, two young shepherd children, Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat, claimed to have encountered a luminous Lady weeping on a mountain.

Here is an overview of the key elements of the Apparition of La Salette:

The Apparition: Maximin and Mélanie reported seeing a beautiful lady, whom they described as wearing a radiant white dress with a gold-colored apron and a crucifix suspended from a chain around her neck. She was seated, her face buried in her hands, and appeared to be weeping.

The Message: The Lady spoke to the children, delivering a message that included elements of prophecy, admonitions, and spiritual guidance. She reportedly addressed a variety of concerns, including the need for repentance, observance of the Sabbath, and the importance of prayer and penance.

Prophetic Elements: The message contained predictions about future events, some of which were quite specific. These included predictions about crop failures, blights on potatoes, famine, and the scourge of cholera. The Lady also warned of a great crisis that would befall the Church and the world.

Reaction: The local bishop declared the apparition as "worthy of belief" in 1851.

Maximin and Mélanie: After the apparition, Maximin and Mélanie went their separate ways. They both entered religious life for a period but later left. Mélanie went on to write a detailed account of the apparition, known as the "Secret of La Salette," which was given to her by the Virgin Mary. This document was submitted to Pope Pius IX in 1851.

Impact: The Apparition of La Salette had a significant impact on Catholic devotion, and a sanctuary was built on the site where the apparition occurred. It became a popular pilgrimage destination, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

Catholic Church's Position: The Catholic Church has not formally defined the events of La Salette as a matter of doctrine. However, it has recognized the devotion and pilgrimage to the site and encourages prayer and reflection on the message.