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Poem of the Man-God

“YOU CAN READ THEM.”

-Our Lady of Medjugorje, 1982-1983

Words From Heaven

 

Over the years, Our Lady has asked us to do many things and guided us step by step in our walk of conversion through Her Medjugorje messages. She even tells us what to read. Our Lady has specifically stated three things for us to read:

 

  1. The Bible:

“Dear children! Put Sacred Scripture in a visible place in your family and read it…” January 25, 2007

 

2. Her Messages:

“…Therefore, little children, read every day the messages I gave you and transform them into life…” December 25, 1989

 

3. The book, The Poem of the Man-God, by Maria Valtorta:


1982-1983

Medjugorje visionary Marija (Pavlovic) Lunetti went before Our Lady on behalf of a seminarian and asked the question: “Was it okay to read the book The Poem of the Man-God?” Marija relayed that Our Lady affirmed it was okay by answering:


“You can read them.”1

Maria Valtorta

Maria Valtorta was born on March 14, 1897. She received dictations and visions from Jesus and Our Lady that became the volume of books titled, The Poem of the Man-God. Valtorta relays in the volumes of The Poem of the Man-God that more than just “seeing visions” of what she describes, by supernatural grace she was actually present in the “scenes,” which gave her a very detailed understanding of and perspective on what she experienced. Her descriptions of her experiences take the reader inside of the story and bring the accounts to life in an incredible way.

The Poem of the Man-God was little known by the general public before the apparitions of Medjugorje began. The above message from Our Lady regarding the books caused popularity to soar, and the English version of the books began being published in the late eighties. For those who began to read them, there was an immediate impact on their spiritual lives and the level of commitment souls were willing to go in seeking Christ. The spiritual direction these books gave to man was tremendous. They immediately began to bring in a rich harvest for Heaven. A Friend of Medjugorje, founder of Caritas of Birmingham, spoke of and promoted everywhere that people should read The Poem of the Man-God. Caritas of Birmingham became the largest distributor of The Poem of the Man-God in the United States. Resistance by many existed in the beginning. In very short order, the level of resistance rose to a fevered pitch after Caritas began distributing the books in their Mission House in Medjugorje.

 

Many people are divided about Medjugorje over the issue of The Poem of the Man-God. A Friend of Medjugorje, a solid, true believer in the apparitions of Medjugorje, promoted that if Our Lady gave a message saying to read the books, then Her words were enough, and his position would not waver. But there was a larger threat taking place that few recognized in their battle over the The Poem of the Man-God. It was an indirect attack on Medjugorje. Our Lady said on June 25, 1991:

 

“…There are many people who do not desire to understand my messages and to accept with seriousness what I am saying…”

 

There were those involved with Medjugorje who were against the books, yet, they also professed belief in Our Lady’s apparitions, all the while they didn’t accept and take seriously Our Lady’s words to read them. Many became confused and angry. The direct and indirect attack was because it was Our Lady Who had encouraged the reading of these books, and if satan was successful in destroying the credibility of The Poem of the Man-God, his next step, which was his main target, was to discredit the apparitions of Medjugorje. In this way, Medjugorje was on the line because, if the books were condemned as many said they were, the verdict would be that Our Lady said to read a condemned book.

 

And so in July 1992, Caritas’ founder wrote to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under Pope John Paul II.

Terry's Letter Page1
Terry's Letter Page2
Cardinal Ratzinger

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. During many of a Friend of Medjugorje’s trips to Rome, he would sometimes cross paths with and greet Cardinal Ratzinger in St. Peter’s Square as he walked to his office

He was not asking for the Church to make a decision on the words of Maria Valtorta at that time, but rather, simply asking if Catholics could continue to read these books. Many who were associated with Medjugorje became furious when they learned of the letter, and these Medjugorje people leveled aggressive, public attacks against a Friend of Medjugorje, founder of Caritas, stating that he was putting the apparitions of Medjugorje in jeopardy if Rome reasserted a condemnation of the books, and he would therefore have been condemning Medjugorje. Hence an attack mounted against a Friend of Medjugorje. However, it was clear to him – either the apparitions are true or false. If they are true, and if Our Lady said you must read the books, then there was nothing to worry about. He identified his detractors as atheist in their beliefs in Medjugorje. He believed one should not be concerned that The Poem of the Man-God had been put on the Church Index of Forbidden Books, meaning, at one point, they were condemned. A Friend of Medjugorje put his reputation on the line because Our Lady had given the message, “One must read them,” yet the Church Index of Forbidden Books, which ceased to exist in 1966, said you could not.

The request to Cardinal Ratzinger was not sent with the purpose of confirming his own belief, for Our Lady had already settled the matter in his heart, but rather so that others would have peace about the matter with a recent and clear directive from the Vatican, and thereby satan would not be able to discredit the apparitions in this way. As protocol, when the Church is giving an important ruling in Church history, Cardinal Ratzinger did not respond immediately. His reply to the letter came 10 months later in May 1993, through a Friend of Medjugorje’s bishop, Bishop Raymond Boland of the Birmingham, Alabama Diocese. Rather than forwarding Cardinal Ratzinger’s letter to a Friend of Medjugorje, Bishop Boland sent a letter to him explaining Cardinal Ratzinger’s letter.


Bishop's Letter


A Friend of Medjugorje’s letter is part of Church history and opened up for the whole world the freedom to read The Poem of the Man-God. Bishop Boland then instructed a Friend of Medjugorje to place the following statement in whatever literature about The Poem of the Man-God Caritas distributed going forward.

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.

After Bishop Boland spoke with Cardinal Ratzinger, Bishop Boland told a Friend of Medjugorje that Cardinal Ratzinger sent his letter to the Holy See (Pope John Paul II), who then sent it to the Italian Bishop’s Conference, who gave the ruling, sending it back to the Holy See, back to Cardinal Ratzinger, who sent the letter back to Bishop Boland to contact Caritas’ founder. With this letter from Cardinal Ratzinger, the matter was settled, as the response clearly stated that people can read, publish, and distribute the book as long as the requirement noted was adhered to. The judgment from the Holy See through Cardinal Ratzinger and the Italian Bishop’s Conference remains in force today as the most recent judgment of the Church on The Poem of the Man-God.

God is simple. Our Lady is simple. And the case of The Poem of the Man-God is very simple as well. If you claim belief in the apparitions of Medjugorje, then you must believe what Our Lady has said. Otherwise, as a Friend of Medjugorje says, you are an atheist in regards to the apparitions of Medjugorje. You are not a true believer. A true believer in Our Lady’s apparitions can reason the following. 1. I believe in Medjugorje.

2. Our Lady of Medjugorje said one must read The Poem of the Man-God.

3. Therefore I believe Our Lady and have no reservations about reading and promoting The Poem of the Man-God.

4. And lastly, how could Maria Valtorta be buried inside the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation in Florence, Italy, if her writings are condemned?

When viewed in this manner, the case for The Poem of the Man-God becomes easily discernable. Though some feared Caritas’ founder was putting Medjugorje on the line by pressing the Vatican to re-visit the decision made on The Poem of the Man-God, in reality, he broke open for the world, The Poem of the Man-God being freed to be read.

Maria Valtorta's Tomb

The tomb of Maria Valtorta in the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation in Florence, Italy.

For those who want to gain a greater understanding of the history of the controversy over the books, both for one’s personal understanding as well as being able to help dispel the doubts of others who have turned away from these invaluable books that are essential to a deeper living of Our Lady’s messages, Caritas offers a brief history here below.

Maria Valtorta wrote the books between the years 1944 and 1947. In 1946, Archbishop Alfonso Carinci, Secretary of the Congregation of the Sacred Rites, was the first Vatican official to deliver a public statement about the works. He reviewed manuscripts of the writings and stated, “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.” In 1948, Fr. Corrado Berti, O.S.M., who served as Valtorta’s spiritual director and submitted typed manuscripts of her work, obtained a special audience with Pope Pius XII for himself and two other priests. Pope Pius XII told Fr. Berti to print the books, stating, “Publish this work as is; he who reads will understand. One hears talk of so many visions and revelations. I do not say that all are true; but some of them could be true.” When asked if the words “visions” and “dictations” should be taken out of the text before publishing, the Pope answered that nothing should be removed. In 1959, Pope John XXIII placed the first edition of The Poem of the Man-God on the Index of Forbidden Books. An explanatory letter that accompanied the decision cited the main reason for inclusion on the list being lack of an Imprimatur as required by Canon 1385. It is important to note here, that many other works that are now accepted by the Church were also included on this list, the most notable for our day being St. Faustina’s Diary, through which the whole Church now celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday. Pope Paul VI succeeded Pope John XXIII in 1963, and he abrogated (to abolish by formal or official means) the Index of Forbidden Books in 1966. In June of 1966 Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani issued a letter stating, “the Index retains its moral force, inasmuch as it warns the Christian conscience to be on guard, as the natural law itself requires, against those writings which can endanger the faith or good morals.”

Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation

The Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation in Florence, Italy, where Maria Valtorta’s mortal remains were transferred in 1973. Her tomb is still venerated there today.

The retention of the list’s moral force has been something that opponents to The Poem of the Man-God have clung tightly to, yet Cardinal Ottaviani clarifies the meaning and extent of the retention of moral force very plainly. In reading the above statement, it is clear, Cardinal Ottaviani is not saying that all the books on the list at the time of abrogation should still be considered forbidden, but rather that the understanding of the list’s previous existence is a reminder to Christians that they should naturally beware of reading any past or future material that could endanger their faith or morals. Read his words several times if it is not clear to you, and it will become clear.

In 1994, Pope John Paul II initiated the beatification process for an open supporter of The Poem of the Man-God, Fr. Gabriel Allegra. In 2002, the decree of Fr. Gabriel’s beatification was officially proclaimed. Fr. Gabriel had this to say about The Poem of the Man-God:

“I assure you that The Poem of the Man-God immensely surpasses any descriptions — I do not say of mine, because I do not know how to write — but of any other writer … I hold that the Work demands a supernatural origin. …I find in her doctrine: and doctrine such as is sure; it embraces almost all fields of revelation. …Gifts of nature and mystical gifts harmoniously joined together explain this masterpiece of Italian religious literature, and perhaps I should say this masterpiece of literature of the Christian world.”

Also in 2002, the Titular Bishop of Nyssa, Bishop Roman Danylak, issued a written Nihil Obstat, Imprimatur for The Poem of the Man-God.

Some other additional information that supports The Poem of the Man-God follows:

  • What the Medjugorje visionaries have said:

Marija (Pavlovic) Lunetti: “Our Lady says The Poem of the Man-God is the truth.” 6

Vicka Ivankovic – “Our Lady said if a person wants to know Jesus he should read The Poem of the Man-God by Maria Valtorta. That book is the truth.”7

  • The character of Maria Valtorta:
Accounts of Valtorta’s life, especially during the period of authoring The Poem of the Man-God, indicate she led a devout life and fruitfully endured the sufferings of her physical condition in a Christ-like manner. As already mentioned, Maria Valtorta is buried inside the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation in the city of Florence, Italy. If the books are condemned, how could she be buried in a Catholic Basilica?
  • The writings themselves:

Nothing has ever been set forth officially by the Church that the writings contain anything that contravenes the teachings of the Church or faith and morals. In addition, the writings exhibit an accuracy, clarity, and understanding of things theological, spiritual, and scientific, that given her state in life and physical location, Maria Valtorta would not have known or understood without the existence of supernatural aid.

The devil Hates The Poem of the Man-God

There is a substantial amount of additional “detail” out there about the history of the controversy surrounding The Poem of the Man-God for the one who desires to delve even further into these details. It may be of benefit or personal interest to some readers to do additional research. If you go further into these details, as you may have gotten a taste from the brief history above, you will quickly find the controversy is so full of a multiplicity of words, arguments, debates, points and counterpoints, a volume of complications that keep people arguing about this or that. satan is the author of division and wants this division to continue. Our Lady said on February 14, 1982:

“… Do not argue. satan exists! He seeks only to destroy…”

God, on the other hand, is simple. He told us Who He is in just two words – “I AM.” Our Lady does the same. Who is God? “God is love!…” Our Lady Queen of Peace, Medjugorje, March 2, 2006.

The Poem of the Man-God – the Church allows it…Our Lady said it…you can read it. NO ONE can tell you that you cannot!

Medjugorje.com Caritas of Birmingham Operated by the Community of Caritas

Footnotes: Poem of the Man-God, by Maria Valtorta

1. A Friend of Medjugorje confirmed very clearly on several occasions with visionary Marija (Pavlovic) Lunetti, that according to Our Lady it was acceptable for people to read The Poem of the Man-God. For years, the only information he was able to obtain about the  message Our Lady gave in response to the seminarian was that Her response was, “Yes. It makes for good reading.” In 2011, however, discussing this message with one who was part of the prayer group with Marija, it was revealed that Our Lady’s actual response  was much, much stronger. The actual response from Our Lady, as related to him by the one who joined Marija’s prayer group frequently in the early days, was, “One must read them.” A Friend of Medjugorje’s work with Our Lady’s messages has been one of an  ongoing effort to ensure that the purest translation of Our Lady’s messages are preserved, according to the demand of Our Lady Herself,

June 9, 1984, Eve of Pentecost:
“…you need the Spirit of Truth to be able to convey the messages just the way they are, neither adding anything to them, nor taking anything whatsoever away from them, but just the way I said them…”

Through a Friend of Medjugorje, the mission of Caritas has been the biggest promoter of The Poem of the Man-God in the United States for more than 24 years as of August 2017, a track record that long precedes the discovery in 2011 of what Our Lady truly said  about the books. To ignore the proper translation would be a betrayal of Our Lady and Her words. He again chose to be true to Our Lady, and thereby charitable to all who will read these messages now and in the future, instead of choosing the comfort of the “status  quo.”

2. Bollettino Valtortiano: No. 31, Jan-June 1985, p. 122.

3. Bollettino Valtortiano: No. 6, September 1972, pp. 21-24.

4. Bollettino Valtortiano: No. 29, Jan-June 1984, pp. 114-116.

5. Ibid.

6. Fr. René Laurentin, Dernieres nouvelles de Medjugorje, number 15, OEIL, 1996, p. 19.

7. Interview with Janice Connell, Queen of Peace Newsletter 1988, volume 1, number 2.

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15 thoughts on “Poem of the Man-God”

  1. Poem of the Man-God
    Richard E. Sullivan

    City: Minneapolis
    State: MN
    Country: USA
    I am reading the five volumes for the second time.. I love them and have grown in my love for Jesus and His Blessed Mother.
    I have a question: where can I find a good cheap and detailed map of The Holy Land at the time of Jesus. Volume 4 states so many towns and villages especially in Gallilee (sp.?) . Could you help me please? Thank you.

  2. Poem of the Man-God
    George O. Johnston

    City: Manistee
    State: Michigan
    Country: U.S.A.
    I have read different parts of this inspiring book and feel it is based on divine revelation, not on imagination or speculation. It gives one a clear understanding of the times in which Jesus lived on earth, the demonic forces that opposed Him, and the power of His Love. The Gospels give us an outline of the events in Jesus’ life; this book describes them in great detail and contains much additional information, some of it from Jesus Himself.

  3. City: Manassas
    State: Virginia
    Country: United States
    These books make all the Bible stories more beautiful and more understandable. These volumes are not of human origin. No human could write this! Please read them. The world would be a better place!

  4. Poem of the Man-God
    Martha Batten

    City: Simpsonville
    State: SC
    Country: United States
    I am reading these books for the third time. I am not Catholic, but I can testify to all that these books have changed my life. Jesus is more real, more central, more alive to me than ever before. I thank God every day for his great gift of these works.

  5. Poem of the Man-God
    Joseph Peter Duarte

    City: Hutchinson
    State: Kansas
    Country: USA
    I had the blessing of sharing the love of Life Given Taken, meeting a very dear friend of so many years. Where we met and come to become close friends attending mass and prayer at Our Lady of Caudlupe church. Of Hutchinson Kansas. But it was at my adoration hour that my blessing came. My friend adoration hour was before mine. So we visited and join the hour with our lord with sharing of our love of Our Lord. That I came to mention to her that I had read all the religious books that were there in the adoration chapel. She had just finished the First Vol. Book “ The Poem Of The Man God “ She then shared it with me To read if I wanted to do so. But told me the history of how it come to pass. So I prayed to Our Father’s Prayer for his blessing and be in his good favor, as Jesus had instilled to his 12 Apostles. When in doubt pray to the Heavenly Father. I read Five Vol that I was so thankful to my friend who shared her personal books with me. The insight and memories that have stay with me.

  6. Poem of the Man-God
    kate connor garand

    City: west chester
    State: Penna
    Country: USA
    I love reading Poem for many years and can so easily see Jesus, his apostles and many friends , I feel as though I know them.
    It is a stupendous blessed work t hat brings one close to Jesus.
    I am trying to find Marias notebooks that were not included in the main volumes, and deal with such things as the early friend martyrs of Jesus.
    Do you carry such items?
    God bless you and your love for Jesus.
    kate connor garand

    1. Kate, yes, you can contact Caritas directly and order Notebooks – there are 3 versions of Notebooks 1943, 1944 and 1945-1950. The number to Caritas is 205-672-2000.

  7. City: 1769 Fawn Circle, Pacific
    State: Missouri 63069
    Country: United States
    I am just completing the third volume of The Poem of the Man-God. My cousin who lives 200miles away from me has the entire set, so after completing a volume I drive down to see her and get the next book. I love them, it has given me such a greater love for Jesus, His love, understanding, goodness, kindness and gentleness. These attributes I knew about but did not really understand in my soul. These books are the most beautiful thing that has happened in my life for the past two years. My plan is to read them again after I complete the journey the first time. I feel so much closer to him, his sorrow and grief. Plus, I have a greater understanding of our Mother Mary and what she willingly endured for her Son. Other than having a little problem with the grammar structure. These books are well worth the time, effort and spiritual growth that I have every read.
    YSIC,
    Jan Green

    1. Poem of the Man-God
      Richard E. Sullivan

      City: Minneapolis,
      State: MN
      Country: USA
      I am now reading Poem of the Man God for the second time. Your description of how it had impacted your life is exactly mine also. Especially your deep appreciation of and devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary. I had no idea how much She suffered along with Her Son!! I have since consecrated myself to Her for the sole purpose of bringing me closer to Her Son. I believe Mother Mary knew Jesus better than any human being and wants ALL us of to LOVE HIM with all our hearts. She knows the way to His Heart better than anyone. Thank you for your wonderful words to us.
      Richard Sullivan

  8. Poem of the Man-God
    Andre Bourget sr

    City: Iroquois
    I have four books of Poem of the Man-God since I bought about 20 years ago, and I believe these books are the truth too
    I used the dictionary book what the books writing which is pretty difficult to understand due the translating from Iatilian to engish
    but it is the truth and helped me to know all about Jesus Christ. It is the great to have the books…..Deacon Andre

  9. City: Cochrane
    State: Alberta
    Country: Canada
    I was given the Poem of the Mangod book by my mother. I thought that it contained heavy theologian writing that I wouldn’t understand (as previous books were). One Saturday my husband was in the hospital and I picked up book one and started reading and said WOW. I read it from cover to cover in one night and then reread it getting more detail. I probably read book 1 dozens of times. I couldn’t wait for book 2. My mom was on a fixed income and the books were expensive, but book 2 came and I dug into it like a starving person.
    What I want everyone to know is prior to these books I was a sinner and I know those books saved me. Love for God, Mary and Apostles have skyrocketed and I am so grateful. Praise the Lod.

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