Melanie Calvat

La Salette, France · 1831-1904

The young shepherdess who, together with Maximin Giraud, saw the Virgin Mary weeping in La Salette.

His life

Melanie Calvat was born on November 7, 1831, in Corps, France. She was a 15-year-old shepherdess when the Virgin Mary appeared to her on the mountain of La Salette on September 19, 1846.

The Apparition

The Virgin appeared seated on a rock, weeping with her face in her hands. She spoke in French and asked her to pray, do penance, and keep Sunday holy. She confided in her a secret that Melanie later wrote down.

His religious life

After the apparitions, Melanie entered religious life and took the name Maria de la Cruz. She traveled throughout Europe preaching the message of La Salette.

His death

He died on December 15, 1904, in Altamura, Italy. His body was transferred to the Sanctuary of La Salette in 1921.