Question: Father Mitch Pacwa has been part of a campaign against Maria Valtorta. Are you aware of his 2001 article posted on CatholicCulture.org entitled: "Is the Poem of the Man-God Simply a Bad Novel?"? Furthermore, in 1995 he was a guest on Mother Angelica Live (EWTN), where he was critical of Maria Valtorta and her works.

http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?RecNum=3365

Name withheld upon request.

Witnesses reported that just prior to the Fatima miracle, a Priest attempted to disperse the crowd, declaring it was a hoax. When that failed, he attempted to physically pick up the children and remove them. Again, the crowd prevented him. Perhaps Father Mitch has become overzealous at protecting the flock from something he incorrectly perceived as deception.

Is the Poem of the Man-God Simply a Bad Novel?

The Poem of the Man-God is a five-volume "narrative" of the life of Jesus written in the 1940s by a sickly Italian woman named Maria Valtorta.

Comment: Maria Valtorta was a bed-ridden Victim Soul.

"Poem" purports to fill in the details of Jesus' life left blank by the four Gospels. Such narratives have been produced since the second century A.D. Some were written by gnostic heretics. Some by New Agers and occultists. And some were produced by pious Christians who made up stories about Jesus to edify their readers and listeners.

Comment: This statement prohibits any circumstance or instance where God would be capable of revealing Himself. Moreover, the statement can be proven erroneous, there are other very similar Visionaries who are now Saints. Saint Bridget of Sweden and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich were also instruments of our Lord, who recorded extensive divinely inspired truth about Jesus' and Mary’s lives. Mystical theology, like fundamental theology, affirms only this: God can reveal Himself (Karl Rahner, S.J.). "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions, (Joel 2:28-32 NKJV).

The four Gospels do not give a biography of Jesus, or of anyone else in His life. Their purpose is evangelical and theological, to proclaim the Good News that human beings need for their salvation. Thus, for centuries, the "hidden life" of Jesus has been the subject for speculation. The Poem of the Man-God is in this tradition of apocryphal literature on New Testament themes. Valtorta claimed that she was the "secretary" of Jesus and Mary, and was setting down the divinely inspired truth about Jesus' life.

The Church has rejected this claim.

Comment: Maria Valtorta’s writings were presented to Pope Pius XII in 1947, who examined them for one year. His Holiness agreed to a special meeting in 1948, in which He ordered the publishing before three Priests: Fr. Corrado Berti (Professor of Dogmatic and Sacramental Theology at the Pontifical "Marianum" Theological Faculty of Rome from 1939 onward, later becoming Secretary of the Faculty from 1950 to 1959, as well as consultant to the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council), Fr. Romualdo M. Migliorini (Prefect Apostle in Africa), and Fr. Andrew M. Cecchin (Prior of the International College of the Servites of Mary in Rome). All aforementioned, documented this event with signed testimony. The fact that the Pope did grant this audience was historically documented the very next day, February 27, 1948 in L’Osservatore Romano.

Since Maria Valtorta's writings encountered several obstacles when the Head of the Holy Office took offense at being circumnavigated in the Church approval process, Cardinal Edouard Gagnon wrote that Pope Pius XII's action as: "The kind of official Imprimatur granted before witnesses by the Holy Father in 1948. An "Official Imprimatur" of the Supreme Authority of the Church".  Cardinal Gagnon served as Peritus during the second Vatican Council, that is the Expert Theologian Advisor and Consultant. He had a Doctorate in Theology and taught Canon law for ten years at the Grand Seminary.

Nevertheless, Poem has become quite popular, particularly among Catholics as well. Remarkably, the book has grown in popularity in part because its champions claim that high Church officials--including one Pope--endorsed it. They haven't.

Comment: They have.  Father Pacwa is ignoring that the Papal Order to publish by Pope Pius XII was witnessed (signed testimony) by three highly reputable Priests and validated by a Vatican Recording Cardinal in writing.  The fact that the Pope did grant this audience was historically documented the next day, February 27, 1948 in L’Osservatore Romano Citta Del Vaticano, no. 48, p.1.  Cardinal Edouard Gagnon wrote that Pope Pius XII's action as: "The kind of official Imprimatur granted before witnesses by the Holy Father in 1948. An "Official Imprimatur" of the Supreme Authority of the Church".  Cardinal Gagnon served as Peritus during the second Vatican Council, that is the Expert Theologian Advisor and Consultant. He had a Doctorate in Theology and taught Canon law for ten years at the Grand Seminary.  Archbishop Alfonso Carinci, 1946 - Secretary of the Congregation of the Sacred Rites: " There is nothing therein which is contrary to the Gospel. Rather, this work, a good complement to the Gospel, contributes towards a better understanding of its meaning." .  Cardinal Augustin Bea, 1952 - Confessor to Pope Pius XII and Jesuit, rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute and advisor to the Holy Office: "I read several fascicles of the Work written by the lady, Maria Valtorta, attending particularly in my reading to the exegetical, historical, archeological and topographical parts. As far as its exegesis, I did not find any prominent errors in the fascicles examined by me. Further, I had been much impressed by the fact that her archeological and topographical descriptions were propounded with notable exactness. Concerning some particulars less exactly expressed, the author, questioned by me through an intermediary, had modestly given some satisfactory explanations. Here and there some scenes appeared to me too diffusely described, even with many vivid colors. But generally speaking, the reading of the Work is not only interesting and pleasing, but truly edifying and -- for people less well informed on the mysteries of the life of Jesus -- instructive."

Furthermore, renowned Mariologist Father Gabriel Roschini, OSM was an outstanding advocate of Maria Valtorta's writings. Pope John Paul II often referred to Father Gabriel M. Roschini as one of the greatest Marioligists who ever lived. He was a decorated professor at the "Marianum" Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Rome, and an advisor to the Holy Office. He wrote over 130 Books on the Blessed Mother, all of which are in the Vatican Library. In his last book (which Father Gabriel said was his greatest, "The Virgin Mary In The Writings of Maria Valtorta"), the first two pages contain a letter of endorsement by Pope Paul VI. Page one displays a photocopy of the original letter in Italian complete with Vatican insignia, and page two contains the English translation. This constitutes a secondary indirect endorsement, in that the Holy Pontiff endorsed a book, that endorses Maria Valtorta’s writings.

In fact, Poem was included on the Index of Forbidden books until the abolition of the Index in the 1960s.

Comment: Saint Faustina Kowalska’s Divine Mercy writings were place on the Index the very same day as Valtorta’s, therefore demonstrating that the Index of Forbidden Books was erroneous. According to the testimony of the three Priests seeking Church approval in 1947, they were intercepted at the Vatican by Cardinal Augustin Bea (Pope Pius XII's Confessor) who advised them to bypass the Head of the Holy Office; Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani.  Cardinal Bea informed the Priests that Cardinal Ottaviani had an aversion to Private Revelations and attempted unsuccessfully to gain Pope Pius XII’s signature for the condemnation of Sister Faustina Kowalska’s Divine Mercy writings. Cardinal Bea set up the first meeting with Pope Pius XII in 1947, where the three Priests presented Valtorta's writings to the Pope.  Pope Pius XII studied Valtorta's writings for ten months.  A second meeting took place February 26, 1948 in which Pope Pius XII ordered: "Publish this work as it is. There is no need to give an opinion about its origin, whether it be extraordinary or not. Who reads it, will understand."  Cardinal Ottaviani realized he was bypassed when the daily announcement of audiences appeared in L'Osservatore Romano reporting the Papal meeting the next day, February 27, 1948.  Cardinal Ottaviani did everything he could to thwart the publishing, but eventually resigned to waiting for Pope Pius XII’s death.  In 1959, Cardinal Ottaviani presented the condemnations for both Sister Faustina Kowalska's and Maria Valtorta's writings to the very next Pope, John XXIII for signature as he took Office. Simultaneously an unsigned article appeared in L'Osservatore Romano condemning Valtorta's writings as ‘A Badly Fictionalized Life of Jesus", the article was purportedly written by Ottaviani himself.

Sister Faustina Kowalska: "In 1959, Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani at the Holy Office included her works on a list he submitted to the newly elected Pope John XXIII. The Pope signed the decree that placed her work on the Index of Forbidden Books and they remained on the Index for over 20 years."  It is important to remember that in 1978, a Polish Cardinal petitioned the Vatican to cease the suppression of Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska’s Divine Mercy devotion and to remove her writings from the Index of Forbidden books. The Vatican replied in the negative, upholding the condemnation and suppression.  Which we now know was in error.

Consider that Cardinal Ottaviani is the same Cardinal who authored the Secret 1962 Vatican document that mandated the excommunication of children victimized by pedophile priests in the event they sought help from the authorities, as uncovered by CBS News in 2003.  This same Cardinal also had several noted temper incidents. While giving a harangue at the pulpit, the technician switched off his microphone, causing the whole congregation to give a standing ovation. In another similar tirade, the Priests listening to him turned their chairs around facing away from him.  In 1966, Pope Paul VI took the action of suppressing the Index of Forbidden Books, which liberated the Poem from ecclesiastical restriction. The same Pope who endorsed "The Virgin Mary In The Writings of Maria Valtorta". Moreover, when Pope Paul VI was Archbishop of Milan, after evaluating Maria Valtorta's writings, ordered her entire works to be sent to the Milan Seminary library. Pope Paul VI accomplished three significant actions to remove barriers and promulgate the Poem.

No less an authority than Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, reiterates the Church's rejection of the claims made for The Poem of the Man-God.

Comment: The key word is "reiterates". Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict did not personally scrutinize Maria Valtorta's writings, he reiterated (simply upheld), Cardinal Ottaviani's verdict, avoiding the undermining his predecessor.  “There appears to be multiple English translations of this document circulating on the Internet, some of which contain significant errors in key statements. Upon reading an accurate translation, it becomes immediately evident that Cardinal Ratzinger avoids passing judgment, either positively or negatively, by restating the history of events. Far from being a negative judgment, the Cardinal simply highlights events of history, and states that diffusion of the Poem, at the time, was "not held to be opportune". The final statement, as quoted above, restricts the range of the condemnation further, limiting it to the “more unprepared faithful” (of which one interpretation could refer to those who lack good catechesis, who would attach themselves too strongly to the Poem, effectively elevating a private revelation above public revelation). At most, this text could be interpreted as a cautionary caveat; however a negative judgment it is not.”

How did The Poem of the Man-God come to be, and how has the notion become widely accepted that it contains important religious truth?

Comment: That would likely be due to the long list of highly authoritative endorsements. Two Popes (Pope Pius XII and Pope Paul IV), Blessed Gabriel Allegra, OFM (the only Scripture scholar beatified by Pope John Paul II - His Eminence was well aware that Father Gabriel Allegra was most noted for being an outspoken supporter of Maria Valtorta’s writings. Quite possibly another indirect Papal endorsement of Pope John Paul II.), Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, noted Priests, Padre Pio, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, etc.

Maria Valtorta, author of Poem, was born in 1897 into a sadly dysfunctional family, where she suffered emotional abuse at the hands of a despotic mother. When she was 23, she was attacked and beaten by a mugger. She was never completely well after that. From 1933 on, she was unable to leave her bed.

Comment: Very few Saints did not suffer persecutions, it indubitably seems to be a prerequisite.

Maria began to receive "dictations" on Good Friday, 1943. In 1947, she handed over 10,000 handwritten pages to her spiritual director, Father Romuald Migliorini, O.S.M. Father Migliorini typed them and Father Corrado Berti, O.S.M. bound them. Fr. Berti, brought them to Cardinal Augustin Bea, S.J., spiritual director to Pope Pius XII. Did Pope Pius read the whole manuscript or parts? If only part, which part?

Comment: Pope Pius XII studied her writings for ten months (1947-1948), before making his Papal Order to Publish before distinguished witnesses.

Advertisements by the Canadian Central distributors for Valtorta (CEDIVAL) quote Father Bea: "I have read in typed manuscripts many of the books written by Maria Valtorta. As far as exegesis is concerned, I did not find any errors in the parts which I examined." Notice, he read only parts of the books. Which were they?

Comment: Cardinal Bea, S.J., Jesuit, rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute and advisor to the Holy Office testified: "I have read in typed manuscripts many of the books written by Maria Valtorta". Hence, clearly most, or nearly all. Father Mitch is using a little sophistry to downplay an exceptionally compelling testimony. The inclusive quote is as follows: "I read several fascicles of the Work written by the lady, Maria Valtorta, attending particularly in my reading to the exegetical, historical, archeological and topographical parts. As far as its exegesis, I did not find any prominent errors in the fascicles examined by me. Further, I had been much impressed by the fact that her archeological and topographical descriptions were propounded with notable exactness. Concerning some particulars less exactly expressed, the author, questioned by me through an intermediary, had modestly given some satisfactory explanations. Here and there some scenes appeared to me too diffusely described, even with many vivid colors. But generally speaking, the reading of the Work is not only interesting and pleasing, but truly edifying. And for people less well informed on the mysteries of the life of Jesus, instructive."  Keep in mind that Cardinal Augustin Bea was Pope Pius XII confessor!

On Feb. 26, 1948, Fathers Migliorini, Berti and A. Cecchin enjoyed a private audience with Pope Pius XII, as listed in L'Osservatore Romano's daily announcement of audiences. Standing in St. Peter's Square after the audience, Father Berti wrote down Pope Pius' words as he remembered them. These words were "not" printed in L'Osservatore Romano, but Father Berti remembered the Pope saying: "Publish this work as it is. There is no need to give an opinion about its origin, whether it be extraordinary or not. Who reads it, will understand. One hears of many visions and revelations. I will not say they are all authentic; but there are some of which it could be said that they are."

Comment: The three Priests wrote down the exact wording of Papal Order, together, immediately after the meeting. Each later providing signed testimony for accuracy.

CEDIVAL calls this a "Supreme Pontifical Imprimatur," where "he took upon himself to pass the first official judgment on these writings." CEDIVAL glues this inside the cover, though the publisher does not print an imprimatur. The reason: it has none!

Comment: From the Vatican, Recording Cardinal Edouard Gagnon wrote that Pope Pius XII's action was: "The kind of official Imprimatur granted before witnesses by the Holy Father in 1948. An "Official Imprimatur" of the Supreme Authority of the Church".  Cardinal Gagnon served as Peritus during the second Vatican Council, that is the Expert Theologian Advisor and Consultant. Cardinal Gagnon held a Doctorate in Theology and was a Canon law Professor for ten years at the Grand Seminary.

The Code of Canon Law: Book II, Part II, Section I, Chapter I, Article I, gives the Pope full and supreme power over all levels of the Church and free use to exercise this power. Canon law clearly requires that this Papal order be embraced with unconditional acceptance and submission. This is why Father Berti was so persistent in assisting in the publishing of Maria's works, despite the later persecutions he suffered at the hands of his superiors. The Church was in violation of Canon Law for putting it on the index in the first place.

The statement by Father Pacwa: "The reason: it has none!", is entirely untrue. In addition to the Supreme Papal Imprimatur, an Archbishop as well as Several Bishops have given their Imprimaturs, such as Archbishop Soosa Pakiam of Trivandrum (for the Malayalam translation prepared in India. Note: If the Vatican thought that the Archbishop of India made an error in judgment, it would have him remove his Imprimatur. Nonetheless, the Vatican has let his Imprimatur stand). Furthermore an Imprimatur was given by Bishop Roman Danylak (Titular Bishop of Nyssa Rome, Italy). A Nihil Obstat from Msgr. Luigi Lovazzano, Vicar-General, Albano, Italy, and Imprimaturs from Bishop Bonicilli, from the same diocese. Evidence that Father Mitch may not have performed adequate fundamental research before making such proclamations.

Confident of papal approval, Father Berti brought the books to the Vatican press. However, in 1949, two commissioners of the Holy Office, Msgr. Giovanni Pepe and Father Berruti, O.P., condemned the Poem, ordering Berti to hand over every copy and sign an agreement not to publish it.

Comment: This statement misrepresents the particulars.  This meeting took place after Cardinal Ottaviani realized he was bypassed in the approval process.  According to the Priest’s testimony in 1949, Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani who then headed the Holy Office, summoned Father Corrado Berti and Father Andrew Cecchin to the Holy Office. Furthermore, during this meeting both Priests were forbidden to speak or communicate in any way immediately before the meeting. Monsignor Pepe and Father Berruti, officials of the Holy Office, were entrusted with reading the new judgment to both Priests (authored by Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani), which reversed and undermined the Papal Imprimatur. Monsignor Pepe and Father Berruti had no role in condemnation itself. The order of silence cleverly restricted Father Berti from informing Monsignor Pepe and Father Berruti of the Papal Imprimatur given by Pope Pius XII.

Father Berti returned the manuscripts to Valtorta and handed over only his typed versions. Despite his signed promise, in 1952 Father Berti went to publisher Emiliano Pisani. Though aware of the Holy Office's opposition, Pisani printed the first volume in 1956, and a new volume each year through 1959.

Comment: Although Father Berti brought all the typescripts in his possession; he could not deliver all the copies, because some were in the possession of other people who declined to be deprived of them. The Holy Office, headed by Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani, forbade the publication of these writings and threatened to place them on the Index of forbidden books in the event of a publication.  The reversal of the Papal Order by the Holy Office was in direct violation to Canon Law. Again, the Code of Canon Law: Book II, Part II, Section I, Chapter I, Article I, gives the Pope full and supreme power over all levels of the Church and free use to exercise this power. Canon law clearly requires that this Papal order be embraced with unconditional acceptance and submission. This is why Father Berti was so persistent in assisting in the publishing of Maria's works, despite the later persecutions he suffered at the hands of his superiors. The Church was in violation of Canon Law for putting it on the index in the first place.

When volume four appeared, the Holy Office examined the Poem and condemned it, recommending that it be placed on the Index of Forbidden Books Dec. 16, 1959. Pope John XXIII signed the decree and ordered it published. L'Osservatore Romano, on Jan. 6, 1960, printed the condemnation with an accompanying front-page article, "A Badly Fictionalized Life of Jesus," to explain it.

The article complained that the Poem broke Canon Law. "Though they treat exclusively of religious issues, these volumes do not have an "imprimatur," which is required by Canon 1385, sect. 1, n. 2."

Second, the long speeches of Jesus and Mary starkly contrast with the evangelists, who portray Jesus as "humble, reserved;

His discourses are lean, incisive." Valtorta's fictionalized history makes Jesus sound "like a chatterbox, always ready to proclaim Himself the Messiah and the Son of God," or teach theology in modern terms. The Blessed Mother speaks like a "propagandist" for modern Marian theology.

Comment: If the discussions were so shallow, how could noted Authors and Biblical Scholars have written articles and books on the dialogues? (Blessed Gabriel Allegra, Monsignor Vincenzo Cerri, Brendan Whiting, John Haffert, Mariologist Father Gabriel Roschini, etc).

"A Critique of Maria Valtorta's "Poem of the Man-God", by Blessed Gabriel M. Allegra, OFM.

"The Holy Shroud and the visions of Maria Valtorta", by Monsignor Vincenzo Cerri

"The Shroud Story", by Brendan Whiting - In 2006 he successfully debunked the 1988 14th Century radiocarbon date and demonstrated that the Shroud of Turin is actually from the first Century.  His motivating drive was that Jesus told Maria Valtorta that the Shroud was authentic.  The book was highly praised by the British Shroud of Turin Society and makes many confirmations and references to Maria Valtorta's writings.  Brendan presents evidence that the Shroud fabric edges were repaired in medieval times via a meticulous re-weaving process which rendered an incorrect carbon 14 dating.  The dated samples were taken from the outside edge.  Whiting holds that reports detected that fibers from an area of cloth directly adjoining the tested sample had a gum coating not found on fibers from the main part of the shroud. "He identified the coating as most probably gum arabic, noting that it was common practice for gum arabic to be used during weaving repairs, to hold the threads," Whiting said. He said Rogers found cotton fibers in the tested sample area of the cloth but no cotton fibers in a sample taken from the main part of the shroud during extensive examination back in 1973. Whiting said this fact had not been discovered by the coordinators of the tests because, although the original protocol had called for the chemical analysis of the samples prior to their destruction during testing, the three testing laboratories did not perform the analysis.

"That Wonderful Poem", by John M. Haffert - Founder of the Blue Army of Fatima (25 million signed members).

"The Virgin Mary in the writings of Maria Valtorta", by Fr. Gabriel M. Roschini, OSM - Was originally commissioned to discredit Valtorta's works.

Third, "some passages are rather risqué," like the "immodest" dance before Pilate (vol. 5, p. 73).

Comment: The Bible has a references to an immodest dance before Herod (dance of the seven veils / discards all seven veils one at a time), why would this be impossible before Pilate?

There are "many historical, geographical and other blunders.

Comment: This contention is unsupportable. What were once geographical blunders before Valtorta's death, are now geographical wonders.   Geologist and Mineralogist Dr. Vittorio Tredici points out how Maria Valtorta described and correctly named several towns and villages that were not even discovered until after her death. David J. Webster posted a landmark 31 page article that fundamentally proves the authenticity of Maria Valtorta's writings. The "Poem of the Man-God" may be the very first Private Revelation ever to be scientifically proven genuine. David meticulously and methodically examines Maria Valtorta’s strikingly accurate descriptions of first Century Palestine for every piece of topographical evidence. He then compares this evidence with currently known facts that are only now being proven authentic. "Over thirty percent or 79 (all entries marked with * and **) of the 255 geographical sites in Palestine mentioned in the Poem were not listed in the 1939 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) Atlas. 62 (all**) of these 79 were not even listed in the 184 page Macmillan Bible Atlas (MBA) published in 1968. [Maria Valtorta died in 1961] Where did Maria Valtorta get all these names? For a first century eye-witness to include so many obscure and unknown names would, of course, be expected. And most surprising is that these names, obscure and unknown in the 1940’s, are only now being proven authentic. 52 of these 62 have no biblical reference whatever, and 17 of these with no biblical reference have been either indirectly confirmed as authentic by recent "ancient external sources" found in the Macmillan Bible Atlas (1968) or actually listed in the HarperCollins Atlas of the Bible (1989). This makes a total of 29 confirmations since the 1939 ISBE atlas listing. Also among those 62 sites are mentioned the ruins of 6 ancient Palestinian cities some corresponding to the modern consensus on location. In addition, Valtorta’s precise descriptions of the natural topography of Palestine from numerous locations and the information about the outside pagan world of that day, including people, places, customs, Greek and Roman mythology, related in the conversations of that day, are strikingly correct."

Many objections disputed that Maria Valtorta is the only visionary who described Jesus as having golden blonde hair and bright blue eyes.  Furthermore, the Church universally accepted, that Jesus being a Jew, had dark skin, dark eyes, and dark hair.  Remarkably, in 1964, a tablet from Pontius Pilate to Tiberius Caesar was recovered in a archeological find (a copy of this letter is in the Congressional Library in Washington, D.C.) which describes Jesus' physical appearance.  It describes Jesus as having golden colored hair.  Another unearthed description by Publius Lentrelus describes Jesus' eyes as bright blue.  Maria Valtorta is the only Visionary to get this right!

While reviewing the evidence of the Shroud in 1999, Dr. Gilbert Lavoie presented another intriguing discovery, that the body had light blond hair.

"For instance, Jesus uses screwdrivers (Vol. 1, pp. 195, 223), centuries before screws existed.

Comment: The Encyclopedia Britannica credits Archytas of Tarentum as the inventor of the screw years before the birth of Christ. Again, this only shows that Father Mitch may have not performed fundamental research. Furthermore, a 2,100 year old mechanical computing device (Antikythera Mechanism), was recovered from a Roman shipwreck that had very complex mechanical parts. Erich Von Daniken wrote a book based on it (Chariots to the Gods), mistakenly believing that it was left by Ancient Astronauts. In 2004, a team including British, Greek and U.S. scientists used specially developed X-ray scanning and imaging technology to analyze the corroded bronze, revealing hidden machinery including fine bronze gears, screws and springs.

There are theological errors, as when "Jesus says" (vol. 1, p. 30) that Eve's temptation consisted in arousing her flesh, as the serpent sensuously "caressed" her. While she "began the sin by herself," she "accomplished it with her companion." Sun Myung Moon and Maria Valtorta may claim the first sin was sexual, but Scripture does not.

Vol. 1, p. 7, oddly claims, "Mary can be called the 'second-born' of the Father . . ." Her explanation limits the meaning, avoiding evidence of an authentic heresy; but it does not take away the basic impression that she wants to construct a new Mariology, which simply goes beyond the limits of propriety."

Comment: In his book "The Virgin Mary In The Writings of Maria Valtorta", Renowned Mariologist Father Gabriel Roschini, OSM praises the Poem’s perfect Mariology. The following is one of his quotes: "A Madonna in perfect harmony with the ecclesiastical Magisterium, particularly with the Second Vatican Council, with Scripture and ecclesiastical Tradition. No other Marian writing has ever been able to give so clear, so living, so complete, so luminous and so fascinating an idea of the Madonna: [an idea] at once simple and sublime." (Pope John Paul II often referred to Father Gabriel M. Roschini as one of the greatest Marioligists who ever lived. He was a decorated professor at the "Marianum" Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Rome, and an advisor to the Holy Office. He wrote over 130 Books on the Blessed Mother, all of which are in the Vatican Library). Father Gabriel Roschini's analysis would be more plausible than Father Mitch Pacwa's, who is not a Mariologist.

Another strange and imprecise statement" made of Mary (vol. 4, p. 240) is that she will "be second to Peter with regard to ecclesiastical hierarchy." Our Lady surpasses St. Peter's holiness, but she is not in the hierarchy, let alone second to St. Peter.

Comment: Same as above.

Further, Valtorta did not claim to write a novel, but called herself a "secretary" of Jesus and Mary, so, "in all parts on reads the words 'Jesus says.' or 'Mary says.' The Church takes this claim to revelation very seriously, since it has the God-given duty to discern what is or is not truly from the Holy Spirit. In Valtorta's case, the Church decided against Divine inspiration.

Comment: The Approval of two Popes is being demeaned. As well as countless other endorsements by well respected authorities.

Finally, Poem is condemned for reasons of disobedience. Competent Church authority had prohibited the printing of Valtorta's work.

Comment: Those who condemned the Poem were in disobedience.  Pope Pius XII Ordered the publishing before three witnesses. The Code of Canon Law: Book II, Part II, Section I, Chapter I, Article I, gives the Pope full and supreme power over all levels of the Church and free use to exercise this power. Canon law clearly requires that this Papal order be embraced with unconditional acceptance and submission.

Pope John's approval of the condemnation of the Poem of the Man-God should have ended the issue, but it did not.

Comment: Saint Faustina Kawalska's Divine Mercy was condemned on the same day, it didn't end that issue.  Now we have Divine Mercy Sunday Mass.  Pope John did not personally review Maria Valtorta’s writings. The Holy Office under Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani did, and placed it before Pope John for procedural signing upon taking office.

The publishers printed a second edition of 10 volumes, which the Church condemned in another front-page article in L'Osservatore Romano, Dec. 1, 1961. This second Italian edition was later translated into German, French, Spanish and English. CEDIVAL asserts that a "modernist clan in the Church, surreptitiously attempted to seize the manuscripts and destroy them," claiming "firsthand documentation on this." These "enemies" included Msgr. Pepe and Father Berruti, the Holy Office censors. I asked the head of CEDIVAL, Prof. Leo Brodeur, for evidence that Msgr. Pepe and Father Berruti held any modernist heresies, but he had none. He assumed they were modernists because the "Poem" claims "to help the Church fight against the terrible heresy of modernism." If the Poem's enemies are modernists, Msgr. Pepe and Father Berruti must be modernists, too. Such assertions are unacceptable. Accusations of modernism or any other heresy without proof is slander.

Comment: In 1949, Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani who then headed the Holy Office, summoned Father Corrado Berti and Father Andrew Cecchin to the Holy Office. Furthermore, during this meeting both Priests were forbidden to speak or communicate in any way. Monsignor Pepe and Father Berruti, officials of the Holy Office were entrusted with informing both Priests of the new judgment that reversed and undermined the Papal Imprimatur (They had nothing to do with the actual condemnation). The order of silence cleverly restricted Father Berti from informing Monsignor Pepe and Father Berruti of the Papal Imprimatur given by Pope Pius XII.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, present head of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (formerly the same office that condemned the Poem), informed Cardinal Siri in 1985 of the "Poem's condemnation: After the dissolution of the Index, when some people thought the printing and distribution of the work was permitted, they were reminded again in L'Osservatore Romano (June 15, 1966) that "The Index retains its moral force despite its dissolution."

Comment: If this statement was true, then the Ecclesiastic Hierarchy still believe the Sun orbits the Earth. The condemned diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska was also liberated from ecclesiastic restriction with the abrogation of the Index. Now parts are quoted from the Pulpit on Divine Mercy Sunday. Another example would be how Roman Catholic Church hierarchy placed Galileo’s writings on the forbidden book list.  Galileo was interrogated on April of 1633 before the Inquisition. For over two weeks he was imprisoned in an apartment in the Inquisition building. Facing torture and being burned at the stake, Galileo agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. On June 22, 1633 Galileo was sentenced to prison for an indefinite term. Seven of ten cardinals presiding at his trial signed the sentencing order. Galileo signs a formal recantation of the Sun being the center of the Solar System.  In 1992 Pope John Paul acknowledged that the Roman Catholic Church erred in condemning Galileo for asserting that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

More recently (April 17, 1993, Prot. N. 144/58i), he wrote: "The 'visions' and 'dictations' referred to in the work, The Poem of the Man-God, are simply the literary forms used by the author to narrate in her own way the life of Jesus. They cannot be considered supernatural in origin." The best that can be said for The Poem of the Man-God is that it is a bad novel. This was summed up in the L'Osservatore Romano headline, which called the book "A Badly Fictionalized Life of Jesus."

Comment: This is a standard formality, although Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich’s writings were approved, the Church still required her books display the same wording posted in the inside cover: "cannot be considered supernatural in origin". "Badly Fictionalized"?  That was an unsigned article written by a Cardinal who was angry over being bypassed in the Church approval process.  The same Cardinal who tried to persuade Pope Pius XII to sign a condemnation to Saint Faustina Kawalska's Divine Mercy, but the Pontiff refused.

At worst, Poem's impact is more serious. Though many people claim that Poem helps their faith or their return to reading Scripture, they are still being disobedient to the Church's decisions regarding the reading of Poem.

After healing the sick and casting out devils, the Chief Priests, Pharisees and Scribes said: "He hath Beelzebub". Jesus replied: "If satan were to rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end" (Mark 3:25). Jesus essentially told them that satan is not in the salvation business.  The devil does not lead souls to God.

How can such disregard for Church authority and wisdom be a help in renewing the Church in these difficult times? When Catholics insist on reading Poem, despite Church condemnation,

Comment: How can lower levels of the ecclesiastical bureaucracy overturn a Papal order? The Papal Order to publish came first. According to Canon Law, it is not subject to a reversal by lower levels of the Church Hierarchy.

I make these requests: First, read three hours of Scripture for every one hour spent in the Poem. The Church guarantees that the Bible is God's Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Church has judged the Poem to be a poorly done human work.

Comment: "Poorly done"? Again, not according to the experts, two Popes (Pope Pius XII and Pope Paul IV), Blessed Gabriel Allegra, OFM (the only Scripture scholar beatified by Pope John Paul II - His Eminence was well aware that Father Gabriel Allegra was most noted for being an outspoken supporter of Maria Valtorta’s writings. Quite possibly another indirect Papal endorsement of Pope John Paul II.), Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, noted Priests, Padre Pio, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, etc.

Second, read solid Catholic theology books in addition to Scripture. G.K. Chesterton, Frank Sheed, Archbishop Sheen's Life of Christ and many other works are excellent starts.

Comment: Father Vernard Poslusney declared Maria Valtorta's Private Revelation to be the most authentic he ever read. "Father Vernard Poslusney is considered by many people throughout Austria, Rome and the United States to be one of the greatest Roman Catholic orators that ever lived. He served as a Carmelite retreat director, conducting numerous Conferences, Days of Prayer, Homilies, Lectures, Retreats, Seminars, Sermons, Teachings and Workshops. Some of these were with Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in the 1970's. His stratospheric religious discernment and wisdom has enlightened many on the spirituality of Saint John of the Cross, Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Therese of Lisieux, as well as public and private revelation. He was an advisor to the Holy Office, as well as the author of three time-honored books: (Attaining Spiritual Maturity for Contemplation), (Prayer, Aspiration and Contemplation) and (Union with the Lord in Prayer)."

Third, maintain a strong prayer life, drawing closer to Christ Jesus, Our Lord, at Mass and at Eucharistic adoration, and to our Blessed Mother Mary, especially in the Rosary. If sheep insist on bad pasturage, at least let them take antidotes.

Comment: "Antidotes"? As Father Mitch pointed out, Maria Valtorta's writings reinvigorates our faith and compels us to spend more time reading scripture. That would make the Poem it's own antidote.