As one of the early members of the Missionaries of La Salette, Fr. John Berthier, M.S. (1840-1908) was a dedicated preacher, retreat director, educator and writer whose saintly motivation and inspiring life have been noted and celebrated over the years by both the local and universal Catholic Church.The present-day members of the Holy Family Community are carrying on efficaciously the wonderful work of their saintly Founder, Fr. Berthier, seeing in him a wonderful embodiment of Mary's inviting words at La Salette - "Come closer, my children, don't be afraid. I am here to tell you great news." They faithfully carry on the same Marian and Salettine ministry in many partsof the world including Europe, America and Asia, supported by his lingering legacy.Likewise the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette whose ministry on the Holy Mountain in France - and far beyond - has endured and expanded amid the joys and challenges they have faced together, inspired by Mary's words of faith and tender compassion. They are united by the closest of family bonds with the members of the Holy Family Community, sharing their inspiration from the life, ministry and many books which are the lasting gift of Fr. Jean Berthier, M.S., their brother in Christ.Thus it is that the spiritual sons and daughters of Fr. Berthier unite and cooperate in seeing to it that Mary's message of faith and trust, hope and healing, given on September 19, 1846, She made clear her mandate to the young shepherds - and to us - on the mountain of La Salette: "Well, my children, you will make this known to all my people."May the enthusiastic spirit and deep dedication of Fr. Jean Berthier, M.S., continue to inspire and challenge us to make present in our life and ministry the charism of reconcilation which Mary shared with us on that Holy Mountain so long ago.
