When authenticity has been established, we come into a second problem, that of agreement with the faith of the Church. Faith cannot be freewheeling, “Test the Spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). At La Salette Mary professed no new teaching. She came to manifest in our world and in our life the saving strength that is ours in Christ Jesus. In tears she begged us to take heed of this. It is her basic message. This why we “have grounds for believing it to be undeniable and certain.”

Then and only then can we submit the apparition of the gospel standard: “You will know them by their fruits” (Mt.7: 16). During the past 150 years the fruits of conversion have multiplied wherever La Salette has been proclaimed.

Two remarks are in order here. This religious impact is valid only when the truth of La Salette has been established. The tie has to be made between this particular conversion or cure with La Salette itself. If this tie exists we can, in truth recognize the specific grace of La Salette at work.

Then, this grace helps us discover Christ as present in our lives, freeing us from evil, opening our minds to the pain of the world, makes us one in the Church’s ministry and worship by means within the reach of all: prayer, genuine sharing in the Eucharist, Lenten

practices. The one he has given us as mother in faith walks lovingly with us on this journey. The grace of La Salette will brings all those it touches to very basics of faith. It would be unwise to disregard such an effective aid. The crucified Christ is bathed in the light of the resurrection on the breast of the Beautiful Lady. He is the beginning, growth and perfect completion of the faith, the image of the invisible God, the first-born of creation. Recognizing Him as our God, we become his people.

LA SALETTE IS NOT A DEVOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT. IT IS THE RETURN TO THE ESSENTIAL OF FAITH, A RENDEZVOUS NOT TO BE MISSED, AN OPPORTUNITY TO LAUNCH OUT AFRESH.