We Would Love
to Keep in Touch!
Editor: This is the second in a series of articles based on the eight Dossiers (from February 1978 to November 1981) totaling 718 pages in this study of the La Salette Rule. In 1982, Fr. Eugene Barrette, M.S., the prime mover in this historic study, was elected the thirteenth La Salette Superior General (1982-1988). Other articles on Religious Life are available in our La Salette Online Library.
2002 International Formation Workshop in Brazil
What is the “charism of foundation” and “soul” of La Salette?
Elements of the "soul" or the "interior driving force" of our religious life are evident in the founding of our Community. It is all part of a spirit-directed which our Rule must somehow capture and express. In the past, most major religious communities manifest a rather common pattern of development, with three elements which inform the heart of what is called the "charism of foundation.” Let us reflect on these three stages of growth in the “charism of foundation” and their application to our own La Salette community:- First stage: There was a specific insight into the gospel message which was received by the founder (and/or gleaned from the founding event):
- Scripture: For example, Jesus said to his apostles, “Give them some food yourselves” (Luke 9:14a).
- La Salette: After the apparition, many priests of the diocese of Grenoble promptly went up the Holy Mountain to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the countless pilgrims at the apparition site;
- Second stage: There was an apostolic response or particular lifestyle that incarnates this evangelical emphasis:
- Scripture: For example, Jesus feeds the five thousand people with “five loaves and the two fish” and “they all ate and were satisfied (Luke 9:17a)
- La Salette’s founding moment: Bishop Philibert de Bruillard, after his approval on Sept. 19, 1851 of the apparition, stated on May 1, 1852 that he was founding a group of priests to minister on the Holy Mountain and in its environs.
- Their ministry: “As the ministers of religion… (they were) to receive the pious pilgrims, to preach the word of God to them, to exercise toward them the ministry of reconciliation, to administer the Holy Sacrament of the altar, and to be, to all, the faithful dispensers of the mystery of God and the spiritual treasures of the Church.”
- Their name: “These priests shall be called the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, their institution in existence shall be, like the Shrine itself, and the eternal monument, a perpetual remembrance of Mary’s merciful apparition.”
- Their ministry: “As the ministers of religion… (they were) to receive the pious pilgrims, to preach the word of God to them, to exercise toward them the ministry of reconciliation, to administer the Holy Sacrament of the altar, and to be, to all, the faithful dispensers of the mystery of God and the spiritual treasures of the Church.”
- Third stage: There arose the capacity to attract others to this vision or way of life:
- Scripture: For example, Saint Paul reminds us that Christ has “given us the ministry of reconciliation” and that we are to “be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5: 18, 20)
- La Salette Shrine in France: There was a positive response to their bishop’s call to be a part of this new community. A few zealous priests took up their residence on the Holy Mountain in spartan circumstances.… The bishop was assisted in formulating regulations for the former pastors who were open to becoming missionaries. Several of these new pastoral volunteers instinctively turned towards the religious life as the best means of living the teachings of La Salette and then of preaching them to others. (1)
Reflection Question:
- How do you see or place yourself and/or your present ministry in any part of this process just explained?