Blessed Maximin Giraud – Visionary of La Salette Apparition

BLESSED. MAXIMIN GIRAUD

Bl. Maximin Giraud was one of the two young visionaries of the Marian apparition at La Salette, France, in 1846. He witnessed the weeping Virgin Mary and helped spread the message of repentance and prayer.

Maximin Giraud was born in Corps, a small village in southeastern France. He was a shepherd boy, poorly educated, and came from a modest family background. On September 19, 1846, while tending sheep with 14-year-old Mélanie Calvat, 11-year-old Maximin experienced a life-changing event: the Virgin Mary appeared to them on a mountaintop above La Salette.

The Lady was seated, weeping, and delivered a message to the children urging conversion, respect for the Lord’s Day, and penance for sins. The apparition was officially approved by the Church in 1851, and Maximin, though young and timid, became an instrumental witness to this Marian message.

Throughout his life, Maximin struggled with public attention and did not pursue a consistent path. He attempted studies for the priesthood but eventually left, trying various jobs including pharmacist assistant, medical student, and soldier in the Papal Zouaves. Despite his personal instability, he remained faithful to the apparition and consistently upheld its authenticity until his death.

Maximin died in obscurity in 1875 in Corps, the same village where he was born, still holding to his testimony. His cause for beatification remains open, and he is often affectionately referred to as “Blessed” in devotion to Our Lady of La Salette.

Feast Day

19-9-

Birth Date

26-8-1835

Died Date

1-3-1875

Canonised Date

--N/A

France

Blessed Maximin Giraud, faithful witness of Our Lady’s tears, help us to turn our hearts back to God in repentance and hope. Pray for our conversion and healing. Amen.
BLESSED. MAXIMIN GIRAUD

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