Summary of EMV

Chapter title: Visitation to Elizabeth

Date of vision: Saturday, April 1, 1944

Calendar: Sunday, March 24, A.D. -5

Location (map): Hebron

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Mary arrives in Hebron. Maria describes the place, then more specifically the Virgin's arrival. She stops in front of a rather luxurious house, where nothing is lacking, and the Immaculate Conception tries to make her presence known. An inquisitive little old lady presents her with a bell and asks her questions. Fortunately, a servant arrives - presumably a gardener - and saves the Mother from the gossip. Mary quickly goes inside after thanking the little old lady. The servant leads her inside and tells her about what has happened in the house: he mentions Elizabeth's childbirth, but also Zechariah's silence, for he is no longer able to speak. He tries to call his wife, Sarah, who is another servant, but instead, Elizabeth arrives. She sees Mary, Mary sees Elizabeth, and they both run to each other. They embrace in a warm embrace, and it's then that the Holy Spirit envelops Elizabeth. The Forerunner is sanctified, and John the Baptist becomes spotless. Elizabeth and Mary speak the words of the Gospel, then Zacharias arrives, but he doesn't realize Mary's spiritual state. Instead, he asks about the Virgin and Joseph, and Elizabeth simply reveals that she is a mother. But neither of them say more.

Maria then writes of how she received the vision, and declares that she saw Mary at Christ's burial.

Chapter contents: 21.1: Through the mountains of Judea. 21.2: Zechariah's wealthy estate in Hebron. 21.3: The strange bell and the opening of the gate. 21.4: Old Samuel gives news of Zechariah and Elizabeth. 21.5: Elizabeth and Mary's embrace, inner illumination, the Magnificat. 21.6: The arrival of Zechariah. 21.7: Visions according to his spiritual needs.

Chapter title: The days spent in Hebron. The fruits of Mary's charity towards Elizabeth.

Date of vision and dictation: Sunday, April 2, 1944

Calendar: April of year -5

Location (map): Hebron

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Mary lives in Hebron. Elisabeth arrives near her and talks about their respective maternities. Zechariah's wife is no longer in pain now that the Virgin is here, but before that she suffered greatly because of her old age. Mary, by comparison, does not suffer, but she does not have the weight of the Fault.

Elizabeth wants to spin clothes for John the Baptist, but Mary says she will do the work for him. The Virgin argues that she has all the time in the world and that she will think of her cousin first, since the Precursor's birth is imminent. Then she'll think of her child, Jesus.

It is at this point that the Immaculate Conception reveals the name of her Son to Elizabeth, and reveals to her her anguish. Mary knows the prophets, and already senses that Jesus will be the Lamb, the Man of Sorrows. Nevertheless, Elizabeth consoles her, saying that God will be with her, and that her child will be loved for ever and ever.

The two women then speak of Zechariah, who is mute. This is a great sorrow for his wife. She hopes that when the child is born, he will be able to speak again. The blessed mother would like her son to be called John, and she reveals her suffering to her cousin. To take her mind off it, Mary suggests they go outside, and they find themselves near a small flock of lambs.

The vision changes; this time, time has passed. Mary leaves for Elizabeth. They talk about Jesus and his appearance. Then they talk about Joseph, and Mary reveals that she has left it to God to intervene. Apart from Elizabeth, no one must know of her divine maternity, and Elizabeth, who understands, points out that she has even told Zechariah. He enters and Mary says the prayers. She urges the priest to believe in God's mercy, for the man believes he will never be able to speak again.

Finally, Mary gives a lesson on charity, on making God's gifts grow within us. We must always be charitable, not selfish. She also gives us a lesson about the passage of time: God is its master, and he helps those who hope in him. "Selfishness advances nothing, it delays everything. Charity doesn't delay anything, it advances things". Finally, the Mother points out that she found much peace in Elizabeth's home, and that if she had not been tormented by the thought of Joseph and her Son, Redeemer of the world, she would have been happy. But Mary means both light and bitterness...

Chapter contents: 22.1: Mary sews for Elisabeth's child. 22.2: Elisabeth feels much better since Mary's visit. 22.3: Mary is moved by the thought of Isaiah's Man of Sorrows. 22.4: Elisabeth is distressed by Zechariah's silence. 22.5: A walk in the garden among the doves, kids and lambs. 22.6: Mary spins and weaves. 22.7: She imagines what her child will be like. 22.8: God reveals the mystery to Joseph. 22.9: Zechariah speaks again. The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. 22.10: Love of neighbor. 22.11: My love of neighbor and my love of God. 22.12: Charity advances the realization of things. 22.13: Bitterness mixed with sweetness.

Chapter title: Birth of John the Baptist. All suffering subsides in Mary's womb.

Date of vision and dictation: Monday, April 3, 1944 (Holy Monday)

Calendar: Thursday, July 4, year -5

Location (map): Hebron

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Mary and Elizabeth stroll through Zachariah's house. They walk slowly and Mary is attentive to everything. Caring for her relative, she goes to help Sarah, the servant, then invites Elizabeth to walk a little further. They go to see the doves, and Elizabeth is moved by their affection for her. Her condition makes her fear death and worry for her husband and child. Mary reassures her that all will be well, and invites her to trust in God. As Elizabeth's suffering returns, they return home. The work of the Precursor's mother begins. Mary comforts Zacharias and prays with the old man. When he falls asleep (it's the middle of the night), she takes care of him and continues her prayer.

Elizabeth calls the Virgin and asks her to place her hand on her immaculate womb. Mary soothes her, tells her to trust in God, and tells her that Jesus is there. When her cousin has calmed down, she leaves. Zachariah is still asleep. The Immaculate prays intensely, until the old priest wakes up. But John is still not born.

Mary continues to pray, and soon dawn breaks. A little later, to the great joy of both parents, John is born. Zacharias receives the child, and Mary brings him back to his mother. The baby calmed down as soon as he was on Mary's breast. Elizabeth asks her if Zacharias can speak, but unfortunately he cannot. The Virgin tells her to hope again in the Lord...

After the vision, the Full of Grace gives dictation to Maria and explains that, while she was preserved from the Fault and the pains of childbirth, her spiritual motherhood was nonetheless filled with suffering. Mary then invites us to always come to her, for she is the eternal bearer of Jesus. She prays unceasingly for us and for our salvation.

Chapter contents: 23.1: A vision of peace in the midst of dark hours. 23.2: Mary helps Elisabeth and Sarah in the garden. 23.3: She reassures an Elisabeth who is afraid of dying. 23.4: She watches over everything in the house. 23.5: Ailing Elisabeth calls her to her bedside. 23.6: She returns to reassure Zechariah. 23.7: Zechariah is nervous, Mary prays. 23.8: The boy is brought to the father. Mary brings him back to the mother. 23.9: The heartbreak of Mary's spiritual childbirth. 23.10: Come to me, the eternal bearer of Jesus.

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.

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.

Chapter title: Joseph asks Mary for forgiveness. Faith, charity and humility to receive God.

Date of vision and dictation: Wednesday, May 31, 1944

Calendar: Saturday, August 17, year -5

Location (map): Nazareth

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Mary is alone in her home in Nazareth. She is alone, praying, until a knock at the door: it's Joseph. He comes to ask her forgiveness, and the Virgin says she has nothing to forgive him for. But her husband replied that he knew she was pregnant with Emmanuel, and that he had acted wrongly in not letting her explain. He was going to act without consulting her first, and he considers this an offense to his wife. So he asks her forgiveness, and the carpenter reveals to her all the suffering of his last days. He asks her why she didn't tell him her secret, and Mary replies that if her humility hadn't been so perfect, she wouldn't have been given the grace to be the Mother of the Savior. In any case, Joseph proposes to have the wedding as soon as possible, and to start planning for Jesus' coming. He is distraught at the thought of receiving his God into his home, but Mary reassures him and speaks of their joy at being the parents of the Redeemer.

Our Lady then gives a dictation and comments on this episode. She then talks about the essential conditions for pleasing God and having Him in our hearts: we must have faith, absolute charity and humility. The Mother also encourages us to remain hidden and let the Lord proclaim us His servants, just as Mary did when she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

Chapter contents: 26.1: See Mary. 26.2: Mary slips away under the shade of an apple tree. 26.3: Joseph arrives and apologizes for having suspected her. 26.4: Mary has only obeyed God. 26.5: The wedding will take place the following week. 26.6: Pale because I was suffering from Joseph's pain. 26.7: Humility at its most extreme, like the One I was carrying. 26.8: The conditions for pleasing and receiving God. 26.9 : Leave it to the Lord to proclaim you his servants.

Chapter title: The census edict. Teachings on love for one's spouse and trust in God.

Date of vision and dictation: Sunday, June 4, 1944

Calendar: Sunday, November 17, year -5

Location (map): Nazareth

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Mary is at home. Her pregnancy is well advanced. Maria describes her and explains that this is how she will look in her glorified body. Then she resumes the narrative, and Joseph arrives. He smiles at his wife, but is worried. Mary realizes this, and he explains that an edict has just been issued. He is worried about Mary, who will have to make the journey, but the Virgin herself is thinking about Scripture and feels that the birth will take place there. She confides her thoughts to Joseph, who becomes even more alarmed and worried, and she reassures him, speaking of trust in God. Listening to her, Joseph calms down, smiles, and decides to set to work on the journey ahead.

Chapter contents: 27.1: Mary's advanced pregnancy and eternal youth. 27.2: The edict is published, we must go to Bethlehem. 27.3: That's where the Messiah is to be born. Trust in God! 27.4: Joseph smiles again. 27.5: What weighs on the shoulders of the bride and groom respectively. 27.6: Trust in God sums up the theological virtues. 27.7: Nothing can happen without God's permission.

Chapter title: Arrival in Bethlehem.

Date of vision: Monday, June 5, 1944

Calendar: Tuesday, December 10, A.D. -5

Location (map): Bethlehem

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Mary and Joseph set out for Bethlehem. Mary is on the donkey and Joseph is on foot, as he was unable to obtain two donkeys. The Virgin's husband asks her if she's tired, but she reassures him. When Joseph asks her if she's cold, she reassures him too, but this time her guardian is not satisfied with her answer and gauges that her feet are cold. So he gives her an extra blanket.

On the way, the couple meet Elijah, one of the future shepherds who will come to worship Christ. He is accompanied by his flock of sheep and gives them fresh milk. Given Mary's condition, he tells them about Bethlehem, and declares that it is crowded with people because of the edict. The man gives them valuable advice if they can't find shelter, and urges them to go to mountain huts if they really can't find anything.

When they set off again, Mary tells her husband that she thinks the time has come. The Virgin is overjoyed at the birth of her Son, but Joseph is not so happy and hurries to find them lodgings. No one welcomes them, and it finally gets dark. So they are forced to go to the shelters mentioned by Elijah, but the best places are taken. Finally, they are directed to a very poor den, where there is only one ox. They settle in, for want of anything better, but as Joseph says, "it's better than nothing". The animal is very docile and accepts the new visitors. Joseph prepares a place for Mary, warming hay and then, when everything is ready, he encourages her to sleep. And so the vision ends.

Chapter contents: 28.1: On the road in the middle of winter. 28.2: I don't know if you'll find a place to stay. 28.3: There is no room at the inn. 28.4: A kind of cave with an ox. 28.5: Joseph is busy setting up. 28.6: The vision speaks for itself.

Chapter title: The birth of Jesus. The saving power of Mary's divine maternity.

Date of vision and dictation: Tuesday, June 6, 1944

Calendar: Wednesday, December 11, year -5

Location (map): Bethlehem

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Mary and Joseph are in the manger in Bethlehem. Joseph has fallen asleep, but Mary is not. She sees that her husband is asleep and smiles, then quietly moves into a position of prayer. The Virgin prays intensely. Joseph finally wakes up and says a few words to Mary, to see if she needs anything. Then he too decides to pray by the fire.

The moonlight comes to Mary and at one point she raises her head, as if answering a call. She smiles, and the light grows stronger and stronger, enveloping her completely. When the light becomes bearable for Maria, the Immaculate Conception holds her Son in her arms. The baby cries and she calls to her husband. He is as if struck by lightning when he sees the Savior, but Mary invites him to come closer and offers him to the Father with Joseph. She then entrusts Jesus to his putative father while he fetches the swaddling clothes. But once he has him in his arms, he abandons his original intention and cares for him as if he were the apple of his eye. Together with Mary, they put him in swaddling clothes and wrap him in a blanket that they have warmed by the fire, then his Mother rightly asks where they are going to put the Child. Joseph then suggests placing her in a manger next to the ox, as the wood will protect her from draughts, the hay will serve as a pillow, and the animal's breath, which is peaceful and quiet, will warm her a little. And so they do. And then they both adore the Redeemer who came down from Heaven to save us.

Mary then gives Maria a dictation. She announces to Maria a time of suffering, but tells her that it is through pain that we gain peace, "as well as grace for ourselves and for others". She speaks of Jesus-Man, who became Jesus-God again after the Passion, but who did not have peace at the moment of his trial, for otherwise he would not have suffered.

Next, the Mother gives a lesson for all, explaining how she participated in the redemption of woman through her divine motherhood.

She overcame pride by humbling herself to the depths. She overcame the greed of our first parents by renouncing her Child in advance. She overcame greed for knowledge and pleasure by accepting to know only what God wanted her to know. The Full of Grace overcame lust, which is gluttony carried to the point of gluttony. Finally, she gave the woman peace at the foot of the Cross, as she watched her Son die. The Virgin died at that moment, to become the Mother of Grace.

She emphasizes that it was for women that she did all this, so that we might become saints of God.

Chapter contents: 29.1: Mary and Joseph at prayer. 29.2: A light transfigures Mary. 29.3: The child is born in a dazzling light. 29.4: The child is offered to God and given to Joseph. 29.5: Haste to protect him from the cold. 29.6 : Peace is won through suffering. 29.7: I have redeemed Eve's fourfold sin. 29.8: Humility versus pride. 29.9: Renunciation versus greed. 29.10: Hunger for God versus gluttony. 29.11: Chastity versus lust. 29.12: Peace obtained at the foot of the cross. 29.13: Participating in redemption.

Chapter title: The announcement to the shepherds, the first adorers of the Word made man.

Date of vision and dictation: Wednesday, June 7, 1944 (Vigil of the Body of Christ)

Calendar: Wednesday, December 11, year -5

Location (map) : Bethlehem

Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus

Summary: Maria's vision begins in the Bethlehem countryside. There is a bright light in the sky, attracting the attention of animals and people. One of the shepherds goes out and calls his companions, intrigued by the phenomenon. One of the younger shepherds even starts to cry, until he regains his composure and seems captivated by something: he doesn't even pay attention to the others and steps forward. This makes his companions think and grumble a little, but young Levi tells them of a light descending. Then he is the first to see an angel, and they all fall to their knees to welcome the Lord's servant. The angelic messenger conveys the happy news of the Savior's birth, and a multitude of angels sing the Gloria. They then return to heaven, leaving the shepherds alone. But the shepherds don't procrastinate: they set off in the direction of the crib, taking a beautiful blanket for the Child, and a sheep to provide warm milk.

They arrive... But they don't know how. So they invite the youngest, Lévi, to watch what's going on. The shepherd looks on and tells them that the Virgin is looking after her baby, who is crying because of hunger and cold. The shepherds want Levi to come forward, but the young man wants Elijah to come forward, since he has already met Mary and Joseph in EMV 28. The shepherds thus make themselves known and can adore the child. They offer them their gifts and let in Elijah, who has remained at the entrance, not daring to approach. Jesus can now receive warm milk.

The shepherds point out that the Holy Family cannot stay here, and promise to help them and spread the news of the Lord's birth. When Joseph points out that they are poor and won't be able to compensate them, they say they don't want anything. On the contrary, they want to serve the Child and his parents. When Mary answers their questions and tells them that she has Zechariah and Elizabeth as parents, Elijah offers to go to him and tell him that Mary of Nazareth has asked him to come to Bethlehem.

Finally, each shepherd introduces himself by name, and then they retire... leaving their hearts behind, however, as Maria Valtorta points out.

Jesus then gives dictation, declaring that the shepherds are the first worshippers of the Word. They have all the qualities required to be Eucharistic souls, for they have certain faith, generosity, humility, desire, prompt obedience and, last but not least, love. Lastly, Christ emphasizes that those with the soul of a child, like Levi, know how to see God more clearly, and have the audacity to turn to Mary. He invites us to pray to Mary, for those who go to Mary find Him, and those who ask Mary receive Him through her Mother.

Chapter contents: 30.1: A dazzling moon in the countryside. 30.2: A shepherd boy attracted by a brighter light. 30.3: An angel appears and speaks to the shepherds. 30.4: A crowd of angels sings the Gloria. 30.5: The shepherd from the previous day points to the manger. 30.6: What the young shepherd sees behind the cloak at the entrance. 30.7: A sheep's skin and warm milk are presented. 30.8: Elijah finds a house and warns Zechariah. 30.9: The twelve shepherds name themselves and kiss the child. 30.10: Praise for the shepherds. 30.11: He who goes to Mary finds me.