Anonymous
Belgium · 72 years old · 04/01/2026
Discovery of the work
In the sanctuary of Banneux, ND, the Virgin of the Poor. I was looking for other books on spirituality. It was around the years 1990-92. I "devoured" the volumes; I "entered" them as one enters a play, as one discovers a new region, a new family. I read them almost in a loop, like someone who is thirsty. But also like someone who is searching for an answer.
Impact on faith
This allowed me to implement the advice of St. Teresa of Avila: to contemplate Jesus in his humanity, to dialogue with him as if he were by my side; also the advice of St. Ignatius of Loyola: what does the Word of God say to me, personally? Why does this passage disturb me? Often, while reading, I would ask myself: and I, what would I have done in this situation? What would I have said?... I learned to let the Gospel shake me up. Most importantly: discovering a merciful God. From my childhood, I had only received the image of a stern God, on the lookout for the slightest misstep, keeping track of everything I did. With the Gospel in Valtorta, it is mercy in action that I discovered: a merciful Jesus before being a judge, and a just judge.
Graces received
I must acknowledge that it allowed me to discover the radical nature of the Gospel. There is no half measure with Jesus! And it must be recognized, we tend to somewhat tailor the text to our liking! This radical nature helped me and/or allowed me to face a major trial: the discovery of very painful events from my childhood, for which I had no choice but to forgive; and ultimately also discover that for such major forgiveness, we need God, need to contemplate Jesus in His passion. Much more recently, I discovered all the other writings: the autobiography, the notebooks of 43, 44, 45 and others, diaries, the letter to the Romans, the book of Azarias. It was a revelation: in Maria's life, I found myself, I met someone who had the same wounds as I did. I learned, I am still learning to surrender, to let God act. And above all, I received confirmation of what God/Jesus wanted for me, for my life: the offering of my life to God.
What would you say to someone hesitating to discover this work?
As Jesus said: come and see, I say: read and you will see. Everyone can find themselves in this work; there will always be a character that resembles us. There is a true range of personalities.