The Virgin Mary

Chapter title: Circumcision of John the Baptist. Mary is a source of grace for those who welcome the Light.

Date of vision: Tuesday, April 4, 1944 (Holy Tuesday).

Date of dictation: Tuesday, April 4, 1944. On a typed copy, Maria Valtorta notes: "The Blessed Virgin Mary dictated these words on Holy Wednesday."

Calendar: Friday, July 12, year -5

Location (map): Hebron

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: It's John's circumcision. Zachariah's house is crowded. They talk about the child's name, and want to give him his father's name, but Elisabeth is adamant: his name will be John. Zechariah's opinion is sought, and he writes that his name will indeed be John, "God is gracious". His tongue loosens and he says his hymn. Elizabeth is overjoyed. The circumcision takes place, and the little one calms down in the Virgin's arms. Zechariah goes to her and asks her forgiveness for not recognizing her, even though she is pregnant with the Savior. He blesses her, and the Immaculate replies that all praise must go to God. The Immaculate also asks him to pray for her, for if being the mother of the Savior is a blessed destiny, being the mother of the Redeemer must be a destiny of excruciating suffering.

In the dictation that follows, Mary explains that God forgives those who recognize their fault and repent. She invites us to rid our souls of all that weighs them down, and to welcome God's Light. The Virgin goes on to explain that those who possess God, who have God's friendship, are never alone, for even if this does not take away our suffering, He gives us light and caresses that lighten our cross. We must also know how to thank the Most High for his graces.

Finally, the Immaculate explains that we make her suffer a lot, because we reject grace. When she gives the dictation, Good Friday is approaching, so she invites us to pray in the words of her Son on the Cross. Finally, she reminds Maria that, while she sees her joys, her suffering has always grown exponentially, until she receives her dead Son in her arms.

Chapter contents: 24.1: The house in celebration. 24.2: The name. The miracle. The Benedictus. 24.3: Only Mary can soothe little John's pain on his return from circumcision. 24.4: Zacharias, now able to speak again, prostrates himself before Mary. 24.5: Mary asks for his prayers for the Coredemptrix she will become. 24.6: God forgives the repentant. 24.7: He makes pain sweet in its bitterness. 24.8: The pain of seeing an enemy of Jesus. 24.9: The mystery of Good Friday. 24.10: An ever-increasing pain.

Zechariah has just discovered that Mary is the All-Holy One, the one who bears the Savior.

When we want to thank Mary, she could say the following. This is what she said to Zechariah.

Mary speaks to Zacharias, who has just discovered that she is carrying Christ.

Mary turns to Maria and says:

Chapter title: John the Baptist's presentation at the Temple and Mary's departure. Joseph's Passion.

Date of vision and dictation: Wednesday April 5 and Thursday April 6, 1944 (Holy Week)

Calendar: Tuesday, August 13, year -5

Location (map): Jerusalem

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Mary, Elizabeth and Zechariah are in Jerusalem for the presentation of John the Baptist in the Temple. On their arrival, Mary asks about Joseph at a stable where all pilgrims must pass, but the holy man is not there. The group continues on to the Temple.

The rite of purification takes place, and the priests are happy to give this feast for one of their own. The people are astonished that Elizabeth is the mother: at first, they all think that Mary is John's progenitor. But they realize that this is not possible, since Mary is already pregnant, while John is only a few days old. When Elizabeth presents the baby at the Temple, there is no longer any room for doubt, and everyone is astonished.

The rite is over, and Joseph is still nowhere to be seen. Zechariah suggests waiting with Zebedee's parents, so that if the carpenter doesn't arrive, his wife can go back up to Galilee with some sinners passing through the house. Nevertheless, they waited as long as they could, and eventually Joseph arrived.

He greets the Virgin with joy and respect, and wishes to see the child. Elizabeth and Zechariah grant his wish, then take their leave. St. Joseph suggested that the Full of Grace leave at night, to make the journey more pleasant for her. She agreed. It was while he was getting ready that Joseph became aware of Mary's pregnancy. But he says nothing...

Next, Mary gives a dictation on Joseph's Passion. She explains that it lasted three days, but that it was intense: the Virgin had to fight against the temptation of discouragement. She could see her husband's suffering, but she could not relieve it in obedience to God's command to keep silent. Mary kept silent and Joseph suffered, but he was holy, and it was for this reason that God granted him his enlightenment.

Finally, Mary always urges us to pray for grace, and to act with confidence, everywhere and at all times.

Chapter contents: 25.1: Arriving at the Temple, Mary is surprised not to see Joseph. 25.2: Zacharias received with honors. The crowd is astonished by the mother's age. 25.3: Mary does not find Joseph at the inn. She waits for him with Zebedee's parents. 25.4: Joseph arrives and apologizes. 25.5: He worries about Mary. 25.6: Zechariah and Elizabeth leave. Mary returns to a magnificent garden. 25.7: Joseph leaves at night, noticing Mary's condition. 25.8: A lover's pain is the greatest gift God can give to those who believe in his Son. 25.9: Joseph also had his Passion. Mary's suffering at this time. 25.10 : Joseph's great holiness. 25.11: You too must live your passion. 25.12: After Easter (1944), there will be silence before the pain of the Redeemer.