Our Lady Of La Salette - The Nine Messages

Lionel Schmidt 05 Jul 2025

Imagine a quiet afternoon high in the French Alps, the kind of place where the air feels clear and the world seems far away. It was on one such day, a Saturday, September 19, 1846, that something truly out of the ordinary happened. Two young shepherds, a boy named Maximin Giraud and a girl named Mélanie Calvat, were watching their herds on the slopes of Mont Planeau, near a tiny village called La Salette. What they saw and heard that day would send ripples through time, sparking conversations about faith, change, and hope that still echo for many people today.

This event, you know, involved a beautiful lady appearing to these children. She brought a message, a serious and heartfelt plea, meant not just for them but, really, for everyone. This wasn't just a fleeting moment; it was, in a way, the start of something big, setting the stage for other significant appearances of Mary that would follow in places like Lourdes and Fatima. So, this particular story holds a special place for many believers, as it began what some call the modern era of Mary's appearances.

The core of what this lady shared that day was a powerful call for people to change their ways and turn back toward something truly meaningful. It was, as a matter of fact, a very direct request for folks to think about their lives, to consider what might be missing, and to seek a deeper connection with the divine. This message, given so long ago, surprisingly still feels quite urgent for many in our own busy times. It asks us to look at our lives and think about what truly matters.

A Moment on a Mountain - The La Salette Apparition

The story, you see, begins just a little before that famous Saturday. Maximin Giraud, who was about eleven years old, was out on the mountain, just doing his usual job of watching his master's cows. This was on September 18, 1846, the day right before the holy lady appeared. He was, apparently, alone, just like he often was, surrounded by the quiet of the high pastures. This setting, in some respects, makes the appearance that much more striking, a truly unexpected moment in an otherwise ordinary day.

Then, on the very next day, September 19, the beautiful lady came. She appeared to both Maximin and Mélanie Calvat, who was nearly fifteen. They were, basically, just doing their chores, tending to their cattle on that mountain. The lady, as they described her, seemed to be surrounded by a bright, radiant light. Her eyes, they recalled, were filled with tears, showing a deep, poignant sorrow. This image, of a sorrowful yet radiant figure, really left a lasting impression on the children and on all who heard their story.

What the children heard from her lips was, in a way, a message from God himself. It contained words that were, you know, both a gentle reproof and a serious warning. Yet, at the same time, these words were also full of encouragement. She spoke about people's shortcomings, chiding them for their lack of something important. This message, very direct and heartfelt, was meant to be shared widely, to be known by "all her people."

Who Were the Children of La Salette?

The two young people chosen to receive this message were, in fact, quite ordinary children from the area of Corps, France. They were, you know, just going about their daily lives when this extraordinary event unfolded before them. Their accounts, though simple, carried a weight that would affect many lives and inspire a religious community.

Detail	Maximin Giraud	Mélanie Calvat
Age at Apparition	Eleven years old	Almost fifteen years old
Hometown	Corps, France	Corps, France
Role	Shepherd	Shepherdess
Date of Apparition	September 19, 1846	September 19, 1846

Their youth and simplicity, in some respects, made their testimony even more compelling for many. They were, after all, just children, not scholars or figures of great importance. This, frankly, made the message feel more accessible, like it was truly for everyone, no matter their station in life. Their direct experience of the event became the foundation for everything that followed.

What Was the Core Plea of the La Salette Message?

At its very heart, the central idea of the message from Our Lady of La Salette was, quite simply, an urgent request for people to turn their lives around. It was, in a way, a strong call for repentance. The Virgin Mary, you know, truly pleaded with humanity to find their way back to God. This meant, essentially, acknowledging wrongdoings and seeking to be forgiven for them. It's a pretty straightforward request, but it carries a lot of weight.

This message, basically, highlights how important it is for each person to experience a deep, inner spiritual renewal. It asks for a fresh, heartfelt commitment to one's beliefs. The lady, moreover, gave a clear warning: ignoring this important call, she said, would lead to very serious and difficult outcomes. So, it wasn't just a suggestion; it was, you know, a very serious piece of advice about the path ahead.

Her words, as a matter of fact, were meant to shake people awake. They were a mix of gentle telling-off and serious caution, yet they also contained so much encouragement. She pointed out where people were falling short, where their faith might be lacking. But, importantly, she also offered a way forward, a path to make things right. This balance of challenge and comfort is, in a way, what makes the message so enduring for many.

The Call for Spiritual Change - Understanding the Nine Messages of Our Lady of La Salette

The story of La Salette, as told through things like the nine stained glass windows in the Mary Keane Chapel at the La Salette Shrine in Enfield, New Hampshire, helps us grasp the various aspects of this important communication. While not a numbered list from the original event, the core themes and urgent requests from the Lady can be understood as distinct facets of her overall message. These aspects, you know, continue to inspire and prompt people to think about their spiritual paths and to live lives that are, pretty much, fully dedicated to a higher purpose.

In a time when there are, you know, so many things pulling our attention in different directions, her words encourage people to put their faith first. They prompt us to build a stronger, deeper connection with the divine. So, let's consider these key points, these distinct messages, that come from the heart of the La Salette apparition, drawing directly from the themes mentioned in the original account.

Message 1: The Urgent Call to Turn Back

The first point, arguably, is the very clear and pressing request to change direction. It's about, you know, recognizing where one might have strayed and making a deliberate choice to return to a path that aligns with spiritual truth. This isn't just a polite suggestion; it's presented as something truly necessary, a turning point for individuals and, in a way, for humanity itself. It's a foundational plea, very much at the heart of the whole event.

Message 2: Finding Forgiveness

Following closely from the call to turn back, the message also strongly encourages people to admit their wrongdoings and actively seek pardon. This involves, basically, a sincere acknowledgment of one's faults and a willingness to ask for grace. It's a vital step, too, in clearing the way for a renewed relationship with the divine. This aspect of the message really highlights the importance of humility and reconciliation.

Message 3: A Fresh Start for the Soul

This message, you know, emphasizes the deep need for personal spiritual renewal. It's about more than just saying sorry; it's about a true inner transformation, a fresh beginning for one's spirit. This kind of change is, in a way, a continuous process, a constant effort to improve and grow closer to what is good and holy. It suggests that our inner lives need regular attention and care, just like anything else that matters.

Message 4: Holding Fast to What You Believe

Another important part of the message is the call for a renewed commitment to one's faith. This means, essentially, not just having beliefs but living them out, making them a central part of one's daily existence. It's about, you know, strengthening that connection and allowing it to guide one's actions and choices. This commitment, in some respects, is a pillar for navigating life's challenges.

Message 5: The Weight of Ignoring the Call

The lady also delivered a very serious warning: if people were to disregard this urgent plea, there would be, you know, quite dire consequences. This wasn't meant to scare, but rather to impress upon listeners the seriousness of the situation and the importance of taking the message to heart. It underscores that our choices have real outcomes, and that turning away from spiritual guidance carries a significant cost.

Message 6: Gentle Correction for Our Shortcomings

Part of the message included words of reproof, a kind of gentle chiding for humanity's lack of something important. This was, basically, a loving correction, pointing out where people were falling short in their spiritual duties or their care for one another. It's a reminder that we are all, you know, capable of improvement and that acknowledging our weaknesses is the first step toward growth.

Message 7: Words of Comfort and Hope

Despite the warnings and corrections, the message also contained much encouragement. It wasn't all about what was wrong; it also offered hope and a path forward. This aspect, you know, shows the compassionate side of the message, reassuring people that change is possible and that divine help is available. It’s a message that, at its core, wants people to succeed in their spiritual lives.

Message 8: Keeping Faith First

In a world full of distractions, the message strongly encourages individuals to make their faith a priority. This means, basically, consciously choosing to put spiritual matters at the forefront of one's life, rather than letting them be pushed aside by daily concerns. It's about, you know, remembering what truly holds lasting value and making space for it amidst all the noise. This is, arguably, more relevant than ever today.

Message 9: Living for a Higher Purpose

Finally, the message inspires believers to embrace a life that is, you know, fully devoted to God. This isn't just about going to church; it's about living every day with a sense of purpose and connection to the divine. It encourages people to foster a deeper, more personal relationship with their creator, allowing that connection to shape their entire existence. This devotion, in a way, brings meaning and fulfillment to life.

How Did People React to the La Salette Apparition?

The immediate reaction to the apparition and its message was, you know, quite mixed. In the dioceses of Grenoble and Lyons, there arose, actually, a rather strong opposition against it. This hostility was, unfortunately, made worse by something known as the "incident of Ars," which added to the tension and discussion around the event. So, it wasn't a smooth acceptance right away, by any means.

However, despite this opposition and the resulting unrest, the local bishop, Mgr. De Bruillard, made a very important declaration. On November 16, 1851, he officially stated that the appearance of the blessed virgin was, you know, indeed certain. He also gave permission for the devotion to Our Lady of La Salette to begin. This approval, as a matter of fact, was a huge step in recognizing the event within the Catholic Church.

Later on, on September 19, 1851, the local bishop formally approved the public devotion and prayers to Our Lady of La Salette. This was, you know, a significant moment for those who believed in the message. Then, even higher up, on August 21, 1879, Pope Leo XIII granted what is called a canonical coronation. This, basically, further solidified the Church's recognition and respect for the apparition and its message.

It's worth noting that, in a way, the apparition at La Salette has been one of the more debated private revelations that the Church has approved. This is, you know, partly because there has been quite a bit of incorrect information floating around regarding what the message actually contained. So, getting to the true heart of the message has, at times, been a bit of a challenge for some.

The Lasting Impact of the La Salette Message - 9 messages of our lady of la salette

The apparition of Our Lady of La Salette in 1846 delivered, you know, a very powerful message of both repentance and hope to Maximin and Mélanie. This message, far from being just a piece of history, continues to resonate with a strong sense of urgency in our world today. Its themes are, you know, still very much alive for many who seek spiritual guidance.

This event and its message, in fact, led to the creation of a Catholic religious community: the Missionaries of La Salette. Their work, you know, centers around a ministry of reconciliation, helping people to mend broken relationships with God and with each other. So, the message didn't just stay on the mountain; it actually inspired a whole movement of people dedicated to its core principles.

The nine messages of Our Lady of La Salette, as understood through their overarching themes, keep on inspiring and prompting believers to reflect on their own spiritual paths. They challenge people to truly live a life that is, you know, fully dedicated to God. In a time where there are so many things pulling our attention, her words encourage individuals to prioritize their faith and to build a deeper connection with the divine. It's a call that, basically, asks us to look beyond the everyday and seek something more profound.

Why Does La Salette Still Matter Today?

The very brief appearance of Our Lady of La Salette on September 19, 1846, and her message to the two children—and, you know, to all her people—is often seen as the beginning of the modern appearances of Mary. It was, in a way, followed quite soon after by other well-known events like Lourdes in 1858 and Fatima in 1917. This makes La Salette a foundational moment in the history of Marian apparitions.

For many reasons, the apparition of La Salette has been called "the most biblical apparition." This means, essentially, that its themes and warnings, its calls for repentance and spiritual renewal, align very closely with messages found in the Bible. It's a connection that, you know, makes the message feel timeless and deeply rooted in sacred tradition. So, it's not just a new story, but one that echoes ancient truths.

A special novena, which is a series of prayers, is offered to God through the intercession of Our Lady of La Salette. When praying this novena, just like with all prayer, it's a good idea to start by, you know, opening oneself completely to God's will. It's about offering a simple act of trust in God's wisdom and love for everyone. This practice helps people connect with the spirit of the La Salette message in their own lives.

Remember, Our Lady of La Salette, often called the true Mother of Sorrows, shed tears for us, like the tears she shed on Calvary. This imagery, you know, powerfully connects her sorrow at La Salette to the suffering of Christ, deepening the spiritual meaning for many believers. It's a reminder of a mother's profound care and concern for her children, urging them towards a better path.</

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