Our Lady of La Salette: A Mother’s Call to Her Children

On September 19, 1846, high in the French Alps, two children, Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat, were shepherding sheep when they saw what they described as a radiant Lady, sorrowful yet beautiful. She appeared with tears streaming down her face. Her sorrow was not for herself but for her children, for us, and for the way hearts had turned away from her Son.

Her message was simple yet full of love. She reminded the world that prayer is the breath of our souls, that Sunday is meant to be a day of rest and worship, and that the holy name of God should always be spoken with reverence. She did not come to condemn but to plead with her children, urging us to return to her Son, to open our hearts again, and to walk in the light of faith.

Though her words were spoken so long ago, they feel as fresh as if they were spoken today. I imagine Our Lady still weeping when she sees the world forget the beauty of prayer, the sacredness of the Mass, and the love of her Son. Yet I also imagine her still holding hope, still interceding for us, still believing that with God’s grace we can turn our lives around.

What strikes me most about La Salette is the tenderness of Mary’s tears. She wept because she loves us. She wept because she sees how much we need the mercy of God. She wept because she longs for us to discover once more the peace and joy of living close to Jesus.

For me, her message is an invitation. It is a call to keep Sundays sacred, to whisper a prayer morning and night, to speak God’s name with love, and to offer little sacrifices for the good of others. Most of all, it is a call to return to the embrace of Christ, who waits for us with arms open wide.

Pray the Novena to Our Lady of La Salette and let her guide us back to peace, love, and reconciliation.