Our Lady of La Salette

On September 19, 1846, two young cowherds — Melanie Calvat (age 14) and Maximin Giraud (age 11) — were tending cattle on the mountain of La Salette when they saw a brilliant light in a ravine. Within the light, they saw a woman seated with her face in her hands, weeping. She rose and spoke to them in French, then in their local patois when they had difficulty understanding. The apparition lasted about 30 minutes. The local bishop, Philibert de Bruillard, established a commission of inquiry and, after five years of investigation, approved the apparition in 1851. A basilica was built at the site, which became a major pilgrimage destination.