La Salette in Ipswich, MA

La Salette in Ipswich, MA

Seminary: The La Salette Seminary and the adjoining Shrine on Topsfield Road in Ipswich, Mass., were dedicated on September 19, 1945, by Most Rev. Richard J. Cushing, D.D., who warmly welcomed the La Salette Fathers into the Archdiocese of Boston. The former Rice estate, some 312 acres, included formal gardens and an artificial lake. Its centerpiece was a 52-room Georgian Mansion, with several smaller houses, including stables for horses. The mansion served as faculty and student quarters. The Sisters of Notre Dame, from St. Joseph Heights, Covington, Kentucky, assisted with domestic chores.

About twenty Scholastic Brothers and Student Fathers were accommodated the first year. The Theological Faculty and Student Body previously housed at La Salette Seminary, Altamont, N. Y., was transferred to the newly acquired location in time for the opening of the school year in September. The Seminary at Altamont thereafter housed the Teaching Faculty and Student Brothers of the newly organized College Course preparatory to Philosophy. The seminary was closed in 1970s.

Shrine: The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette was

Carcdinal Cushing Serves "Tonic" to the Campers

northwest of the main entrance of the Seminary in a stately pine amphitheatre suited for large groups of pilgrims and a rustic Way of the Cross. A large portion of the estate was adapted as a summer camp for boys, known as Camp La Salette. The Shrine was sold in 1980s.

Camp La Salette: On Sunday afternoon, August 11, 1946, approximately 3,000 people from all parts of New England attended the devotions at the National Shrine of Our Lady in Ipswich and the blessing of the new boys' camp on the seminary grounds.

Cardinal Cushing of the Archdiocese of Boston addressed the large gathering of campers, laity and clergy. He extolled the work of all missionaries and paid particular compliment to the La Salette Fathers for their work in the diocese and in the founding of the boys camp which fills such an urgent need in the guidance and supervision of the young. Devotions closed with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. He then took his place at the table and distributed refreshments to the campers and greeted all present. The last camp season was offered in the summer of 1972.

Today, where the original grounds stood is a sprawling complex of condominiums, golf courses and accommodations. 

You can visit their site here at Turner Hill.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE IMAGES WE HAVE GATHERED FROM IPSWICH MA.