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National Shrine of Our Lady of La
Salette
The story of Our Lady of La Salette dates back to September
19, 1846 when the Blessed
Virgin appeared to two children in the Alps of France.
Our Lady of La Salette told the children to spread her
words of reconciliation to all people. In order to abide
by Our Lady of La Salette's message, the Missionaries
of Our Lady of La Salette were formed in 1852.
The La Salette Missionaries
Two of the missionaries explored the New World, looking
for a place to construct a La Salette mission. They
decided on Hartford, Connecticut.
At the same time, a Dr. Solomon was looking for a place
to build a sanatorium where people could be treated
for cancer. He had an area in Attleboro, Massachusetts
surveyed for the hospital. His sanatorium was completed
in 1903. Due to insufficient funds, the sanatorium was
sold in 1913 and finally shut down in 1938.
The La Salette Missionaries purchased the sanatorium
in 1942 and it became a seminary. The Our Lady of La
Salette Shrine in Attleboro, Massachusetts is one of
the most popular shrines to Our Lady of La Salette.
It was named the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette
by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on November
15, 2003.
One of the largest attractions of the National Shrine
of Our Lady of La Salette is their annual Christmas
Lights display, attracting Catholics and non-Catholics
from near and far. The Christmas lights illuminate the
grounds with a lighted Rosary walk, the tomb of Jesus,
the steps to Our Lady of La Salette statues, and assorted
Christmas displays.
Our Lady of La Salette Shrine also has a gift shop where
Catholics can purchase Our Lady of La Salette jewelry,
prayer books, children's religious books, statues, crosses,
and Our Lady of La Salette Holy Water.
Many Catholics wear the Our Lady of La Salette medal
when they go to the shrine for Mass or confession. They
walk the grounds in prayerful thought as they wear the
Lady of La Salette next to their hearts.
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