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Mans relationship to God, the belief that He responds to prayers, is based entirely on the inexplicable phenomenon of faith. A feeling, an emotion, a conviction, a personal involvement, faith in God is both intimate and ineffable. It is expressed through processions, assemblies, pilgrimages and a multitude of codified actions and gestures. God revealed himself to several individuals for all mankind, and it would seem that if a believer wants to contact God, he must do it through an agent. The prophets and the saints, and also religious rituals, serve as intermediaries in approaching the God who cannot be compelled. |
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Prayer during the procession of the
Holy Sacrament at La Salette (Isère)
Black & white photograph
Collection of the Musée Dauphinois
La Salette Mountain is a popular place of pilgrimage to the Virgin. In 1846, the Virgin appeared on its slopes to two young shepherds, Mélanie Calvat and Maximim Giraud, and delivered a divine message. At the end of the 19th century, a basilica and a hostel were built on the mountain for the pilgrims who come in increasing numbers each year. |
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