Detailed Testimonies
Discovery of the work
The reading of the work was suggested to me by members of my family at the beginning of the 2000s. A few years later, a fire ravaged both my business and my home. This forced stop gave me the opportunity and time for this inner pilgrimage. It is with great interest that I devoted myself entirely to the reading of the work throughout the following year.
Impact on love for the Gospel
As a person of Catholic faith, this reading was a real turning point in my spiritual life. I was overwhelmed by this endless journey that deeply moved me. I had a personal and authentic encounter with Jesus. I felt his presence intensely. On each page, I took the time to savor each word, each sentence, as if I was transported into his time and immersed in his universe. I felt lucky to live this extraordinary experience. I fell in love with Jesus. I learned to know and love Mary and Joseph with all my heart, as well as the apostles, the shepherds, the disciples. I knew and loved all those who surrounded him and loved him. Jesus made me feel the infinite love He feels for me and for each of us. This reading allowed me to experience deep joys as well as intense sorrows by his side. I shed all the tears of my body, for various reasons.
Concrete impact on faith life
I take the time to immerse myself in the pages of the ten volumes of the work, reading and rereading them incessantly. I will never tire of it; I savor and scrutinize every detail, I refer to the New Testament, the Bible, as well as to the readings of the great saints and the notebooks of Maria Valtorta. Even if it seems senseless, the fire that devastated our home and our business was a blessing, a gift that God gave to our family. I believe that with the kind of life we were leading, this frantic race for work and leisure, this tumult around us would have been the end of our marriage. We pray as a family now. My son has undertaken the reading of the work and his partner is embarking on a spiritual exploration seeking to discover the face of Jesus and his teaching, through the exchanges and conversations we have as a family. Today, I strive to share my Christian faith, with kindness, without passing judgment, with people who, with sincerity, are in search of God.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
Don't hesitate to get started, because you have nothing to lose in this process. Read the testimonials on this site.
Discovery of the work
Around the age of 30, I regularly went to the Duquesnes Diffusion library in Paris (Lefebvrist), because the books were close to my ideas. I had started reading again at 25, and I gradually became interested in all subjects of reality, politics, philosophy, history, religion, ecology, which opened my mind.
Impact on love for the Gospel
Specifically, it was reading "A Romanticized Life" by Jean-François Lavère, studying point by point the work of Maria Valtorta, that convinced me that it could not be a coincidence. So I took the step. I had read many things that could have converted me (Padre Pio, Joan of Arc, ...), but it was the compilation of the extraordinary facts of this story that made me take the leap. I only read the work a few years later, and I have just finished it (I listened to the second half in a podcast), and I was overwhelmed by the life of Mary, the details of the conversions and Jesus' love for his "prey", which I did not distinguish as well in the somewhat laconic phrases of the Gospel ("he loved him", "he wept", etc.).
Concrete impact on faith life
So, I returned to the Church after reading Jean-François Lavère's book. I had a friend who told me that I had to confess before taking communion, which got me back on track very quickly. I then found a spiritual father 6 months later, and I have never looked back. I go to mass, pray every day, recite the daily rosary, say grace, always read a lot of things related to faith, am married to a Catholic with whom we used to go to Jeunes Pros and now to Equipes Notre Dame. Having 4 children, I don't have the leisure to do much more in the day, but try to pass on this faith to them.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
If you don't have the time, listen to the podcast. But reading the book touched me more I believe. Read the first book about Marie and the birth. It is short, and you will quickly see if this work speaks to you. Watch videos (Ignis 2 for example), which show the beauty and the extraordinary character of the work. How could the devil have wanted this work given the fruits it bears?
Additional testimony
I stopped at volume 5 because, in my opinion, the Church seemed to more or less advise against reading the work, so I preferred to stop out of obedience, even though I greatly enjoyed reading the work. I picked it up again somewhat by chance with the podcast.
Discovery of the work
Around 1961: Retreat with Father Berti OSM. He spoke to us about Maria Valtorta. Occasional reading of a page from one of the 10 volumes we had in the library. Then Total Forgetfulness... Fifty years later, at least, seeking to deepen the Truth of the Gospels... after having read a lot... Looking for answers to my questions of FAITH... after stumbling upon some videos talking about M.V. and The Work... I found the gold mine or better the Source I was looking for...
Impact on love for the Gospel
Although Christian, baptized, etc... even religious... around my 17 years, I questioned EVERYTHING... walking on water like Peter... (ups and downs succeeding each other) = "crisis of faith"... After many years of searching for The Truth (my scientific mind wanted "proof" of the Resurrection first)... I finally discovered The Truth by reading, meditating, praying "The Gospel as it was revealed to me". "Jesus today" has become my daily manna as well as: "the calendars" on "Valtorta.fr".
Concrete impact on faith life
I'm not saying that I have come out of "crisis," but I know why Jesus is making me live through it. I am more present to the Mystery of the Eucharist, I quickly discover in the moments of my daily life what is contrary to "His doctrine"... or where He has acted in my favor or for others, or even what the Father is doing in the world... putting me in almost continual thanksgiving...
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
Read and you will understand... As Pope Paul VI said. If you have your own questions of Faith (Jesus knows them better than we do! be sure of it!) believe that little by little your eyes will open and He will lead you to the answers, as is always the case for me.
Additional testimony
I know that my answers to the questions are incomplete. But the explanations would be too long. I remain available to those who might need to know something else to be helped in their own life. My life is a unique path like for everyone, but it does not belong to me: "no one lives for oneself, no one dies for oneself."
Discovery of the work
I do not know how, by chance and chance is God. I stumbled upon the first volume of: "The Gospel as It Was Revealed to Me" in a bookstore on chemin neuf in Ars in the 90s. I was immediately captivated by this extraordinary story full of truths that brought me considerably closer to Christ, Mary, and all his close surroundings. Remarkable details about the places and characters that Christ met while Maria Valtorta was in her bed and could not move!
Impact on love for the Gospel
Especially the parables of Jesus which have become understandable while they remained partly mysterious. From time to time, I reread the periods that correspond to the liturgical feasts and I deeply nourish myself with the action of Christ in our souls.
Concrete impact on faith life
I live my faith more intensely with each passing hour of my life and I give thanks to God for having loved me so much in this way by making me meet Maria Valtorta.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
It is a true treasure of faith. Popes have encouraged the reading of this extraordinary work. It was said: "You will understand..." and I understood.
Discovery of the work
I discovered the writings of Maria Valtorta while watching a video on YouTube and subsequently ordered the first volume which I read eagerly and I continue. I am on the fourth volume.
Impact on love for the Gospel
It was wonderful to see Jesus in a different light, to follow him, to hear him, in all the details of His life. I learned to know him better and understand what he wants for us. The episode of Joseph's death particularly moved me, but above all, I drew closer to Mary and her infinitely great role in God's plan. I discovered her great humility and the love that Jesus has for her.
Concrete impact on faith life
I returned to the Catholic Church after spending more than thirty years in the Protestant Adventist church. I rediscovered the riches of the Catholic Church, that of my childhood, with a new perspective and a love for the Eucharistic communion, very different from the Last Supper.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
To believe that it is indeed the Spirit of God who is the origin and to recognize the voice of Jesus who says "my sheep hear my voice and recognize me".
Discovery of the work
In 1998, a colleague who had bought the entire collection of books lent them to me one by one: as soon as I finished a volume, she would give me another. Later, upon discovering on the Marie de Nazareth website that these books were available online, I took the time to reread them in their entirety.
Impact on love for the Gospel
Reading the writings of Maria Valtorta is a valuable experience to deepen one's faith, better understand the life and teachings of Jesus, and nourish personal prayer. Her vivid and detailed accounts allow one to contemplate the Gospel from a concrete and touching angle, bringing the reader closer to the mysteries of the life of Christ and Mary. These books invite meditation, inner conversion, and a greater intimacy with God.
Concrete impact on faith life
The first time I read the writings of Maria Valtorta, it was out of pure curiosity for the real facts and a bit of history; at the time, I was 22 years old. Recently in 2021-2022 while I was jobless, I returned to it to reconcile with my God, after three difficult years, lost in a superficial life without deep prayer that kept me more and more distant from my Lord Jesus and Mother Mary. This re-reading helped me find the path of faith, to rekindle my prayer and to return to God with a renewed heart. I now almost daily read the "Jesus Today" newsletter which nourishes my soul.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
I would tell him to let himself be touched, without fear, by the depth and beauty of this work. It helps to better understand the immense love of Jesus and Mary, and to live one's faith in a more concrete and personal way. Even if one starts out of curiosity, one comes out transformed, with a heart closer to God.
Discovery of the work
By a friend.
Impact on love for the Gospel
At the time of my conversion in 1984, I was 33 years old. My friend is 8 years younger than me. Since her early childhood, she has been a great believer and prayerful. She had lent me a book by Maria Valtorta, but I found that she described objects and places with too much detail before getting to the importance of the message. As I was freshly converted, therefore full of zeal and a bit too fanatic, everything had to go quickly for me to make up for the lost time not practicing my religion, so being forced to read all these details of landscape descriptions etc, annoyed me a lot and I stopped reading. Today at 73 years old, I have rediscovered, thanks to you, Maria and her writings and I deeply regret not having lingered longer on these magnificent stories, because I realize how much they help us to better understand the sayings and actions of Jesus through a more precise and detailed situation, therefore more enlightening. I promise myself to read the complete series before I die.
Concrete impact on faith life
His stories make me better understand and appreciate the accuracy of Jesus' perspective on the situations He experienced. They make me love Him more and look forward even more to meeting Him, speaking to Him, and expressing my gratitude. I even find Him funny when He puts people in their place, especially His disciples who often lose their way in their judgments of themselves and others. This is where we realize that we are all indeed the same, when we enter a daisy field with our bulldozers, or when we boast about trivialities.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
To surpass his or her hasty judgments and opinions on the subject and to persevere in reading the series until he or she discovers the hidden gold mine in this masterpiece.
Additional testimony
In summary: I regret not having devoted more time to these wonderful, enriching, and enlightening stories of Jesus's life that teach me more than what I have read so far. I sincerely believe that after the Bible and the Gospel there is nothing more nourishing for our spiritual journey than these writings that enlighten the mind, ignite the heart, and elevate the soul, surely and serenely leading us towards the blossoming of God's holiness in every well-born soul. Thank you for bringing me back to my roots. I think I will ask for the collection of Maria's books for my next Christmas. A thousand thanks again 🙏🤗❌♥️❌♥️❌♥️❌♥️❌♥️
Discovery of the work
I discovered the work through the Marie de Nazareth website. I also met people who had read the work and told me they enjoyed it. I can specify the year, 2014, because it was a pivotal year in my spiritual life. I had just gone through 10 years of life sprinkled with pornography and lust. My marriage was in danger. I was in a void. I couldn't get out of it. My wife put me against the wall. I was raised in a Christian environment. So I bought the 10 volumes of The Gospel as it was revealed to me to change my mind.
Impact on love for the Gospel
I bought the first version of the work. The first volume seemed challenging to me, but the rest was a real discovery. I liked Jesus' contact with the apostles and disciples. His patience with each one and his love even with Judas, and that, throughout His public life. There were more details, which forced me to go and check the differences or concordances in the Gospels. The presentation of the different characters around Christ also allowed me to understand everyone's motivations. Peter's journey, in particular, is simply inspiring. I better understood his character, his strengths, and weaknesses. The same with each of the other apostles as well as with several disciples. Some passages literally tore my heart out. Christ is truly presented as a Man living among men. But his qualities are divine. I was able to follow Christ almost day by day. Each of his movements is specified with abundantly illustrated descriptions. The role of Mary is also highlighted. She is present but discreet.
Concrete impact on faith life
I have already specified that 2014 is a pivotal year in my spiritual journey. After a first reading of the work, I did a second reading with the version made with the help of an experienced translator. I appreciated the first volume more, which is centered around Mary and the early years of Christ. The readings of the work prompted me to more regularly frequent more religious sites. I have gradually become a Christian who regularly attends the Eucharist and I have even, with my wife, started to say the rosary every day. My wife forgave me for my transgressions. And our married life is much happier today. I'm not saying that all of this is due to the work, but the grace of God, who put me on the path of the work, has undoubtedly helped.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
I would tell him to overlook the criticisms and negative comments that one can read and to form a personal opinion. In my view, there is no contradiction between the canonical Gospels and the work of Maria Valtorta. There are many more details and stories, but nothing that contradicts the Gospels. Even the evangelist Saint John says that the Gospel he wrote is incomplete.
Discovery of the work
A friend lent me the first volume simply saying, read!
Impact on love for the Gospel
The apostles resembled me, like brothers, with flaws... The words of Jesus exude Divine Love... If one loves and frequents Jesus, one recognizes Him!
Concrete impact on faith life
A greater love of God, Father, Son, and Spirit. I am no longer in a religion but in a relationship... Prayer is a necessity.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
Read and see!
Additional testimony
I gave the collection to mom, a great prayer, she read it every day, on loop... Among my brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces... some base their life of faith on the visions of Maria Valtorta. My husband, initially reluctant, is now completely committed to the cause of Maria Valtorta. Truly, I believe that it is Jesus' gift for our life.
Discovery of the work
By a very credible Catholic friend.
Impact on love for the Gospel
As a very rational person, Jesus, through Maria, brought me a very human and practical dimension by inspiring me with his actions and his tenderness towards us all, sinners that we are, even towards his tormentors! It is now easier for me to love Him with my heart than with my "head" and to love my brothers and sisters likewise. It is also easier for me to live the values of the Gospel in the world without living the values of this world.
Concrete impact on faith life
I was struggling with an addiction to alcohol and after years of prayers and perseverance, one day I was healed and since then, no desire to drink. Also, being a very self-centered person, I pray EVERY day morning and evening for 20 minutes for the conversion of my brothers and sisters who are far from the Heart of Jesus, for the souls in purgatory and the conversion of priests, bishops and cardinals who have strayed from the Heart of Jesus and for those who want to change His message rather than proclaim it without changing a single iota.
What would you say to someone who hesitates to discover this work?
Three things: - Read the 10 volumes wanting to know this Man who really lived among us; - Position yourself in a state of objectivity and not subjectivity, that is to say, try to search for what is true, fair rather than searching for what suits us; - Share your doubts and discomforts about Jesus's message with credible, humble, and disinterested Catholics.
Additional testimony
The message of Jesus cannot be modified over time. We must obey God. After all, the first sin is disobedience! For me, it's the instruction manual for humans to live in joy, in peace with others and God, and in eternity. It's like someone who designs a new machine. They write a user manual to properly use the device and thus avoid breakage and injuries! God loves us so much that he wrote this manual starting with the 10 commandments! It's also like a father or a mother who would wish so much that their child does not put his hand on the stove burner to avoid getting burned. What Love God has for us but what freedom he gives us!!!