Our Lady Of La Salette

In 1846, two children in the French Alps encountered A "Beautiful Lady" arrayed in Light. Weeping, the Lady spoke words of deep and loving concern for all her wayward, sinful children. She described the need for conversion - reconciliation with God - and implored the children to "Make this known to all my people."

Our Community

Mary's apparition at La Salette, France, inspired the formation of the La Salette Missionaries - A religious community of priests and brothers dedicated to the ministry of reconciliation. Sharing a common life of prayer, fraternity and hospitality, La Salette Missionaries minister in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. "We, the La Salette priests and brothers serve not only in parishes, but also as hospital chaplains, teachers, counselors, youth ministers, and at shrines and retreat houses.

Our Approach

Our Lady of La Salette has consistently drawn to herself a group of men who can readily accept challenge, live a deep life of faith, and who share a deep Christian love. We are involved in pastoral ministries, flowing from a prayer life centered on the Eucharist and shared community experience. But our approach has remained flexible. Adjusting to the greatest needs of the times, we constantly reflect on contemporary issues, evaluate our capacity for response, and move boldly into new areas of work when the Lord calls us.

Living the Gospel

Mary implored us to share the Gospel with others. As disciples of Christ, we strive to be led by the Spirit toward the fulfillment of the Father's loving design. Rejoicing in God's love, we simply want to share our joy with others.

Reconciliation

Mary's call for reconciliation with God inspires us to be reconcilers ourselves: to heal hurts and deepen awareness of God's call to repentance. To be a reconciler is to be accepting of one's own strengths and weaknesses in order to reach out to others in their weakness and incompleteness - not by judging them, but leading them closer to God.

Prayer

Mary's message reinforced to the children the importance of prayer. Daily prayer and awareness of God's presence in all things is the spiritual nourishment we need as we strive to help others see God. Reflective common prayer, celebrating the Eucharist, and reading scripture is essential to achieving our mission.

Ministry

In our pastoral ministry, we work closely with people in all walks of life. We seek to give ourselves freely to the Gospel message, calling others to share their talents and gifts by encouraging, teaching and empowering others to lead in accord withthe needs of the particular ministry.

Awareness

We are challenged to listen - to be truly present - to others, to quiet the voices of our own lives so as to clearly hear another's story. Sometimes we are simply called to help others see that they are not alone in their hurt. And by being truly present to others, our witness can open their hearts to feeling God's presence.

Mary

Our inspiration is in Mary, whose life is a model for all. Conscious of her call to make the Good News of reconciliation known, we strive to live a spirit of hope, trusting in the promises of her Son.