Letter of Fray Consalvo Valls, O.F.M.
Professor of Dogmatic and Mystical Theology
International University of St. Anthony, Rome
July, 1931
"Reverend Fr. Franze:
I have read and studied the book entitled "In the Reign of the Divine Will" and, having meditated on some of the themes, I am able to state the following:
I. Relative to Dogma: I find it to completely conform with the teachings of the Holy Church and those revealed in the sources of Revelation, including when it speaks in a passing manner on questions of dogma as... (and then follows a series of analyses and commentaries such as: "sublime and marvelous theological precision...", "also the concept is most precise... without dissonance and with marvelous harmony." "Concepts are never repeated yet new and most beautiful aspects are presented without ever for an instant deviating from the truths of the Faith", etc.). It is true that on occasion incertitudes are encountered, including, at times, unusual things which need explanation. But it is also true that when one reflects more on these thoughts, the dissonance of the first impression disappears. Moreover, Jesus, Himself, gives assurances when He calms her fears of writing nonsense.
II. Relative to asceticism: The book is most exact with respect to the judgments that are presented, especially when treating the active means of sanctification (prayer, work, fulfilling responsibilities, sacraments, pious practices, mortification, etc.) and the virtues... (Note: to justify all the author's points, one would need to quote the entire book...).
III. With respect to mystical phenomena: The book seems to be truly inspired. (Of the numerous points that are presented, we mention one as an example: "the difference between the abstract and intuitive knowledge of God and of the soul itself. The intuitive explanation is one that is both psychological and experimental. It explains the theological doctrine regarding the Divine Gifts of the Holy Spirit acting in man and how these Divine Acts differ in nature from the human acts which man accomplishes using his own virtue.
IV. With respect to the self-portrait of this soul: It is evident that she intensely lives the life of Grace from which she creates the most beautiful and exact descriptions. And only the gifts of the Holy Spirit could give her the knowledge and, still more, the science to describe them. This contemplation of God in his attributes and Trinitarian Life comes from the fullness of these gifts. The same can be said of her contemplation of Christ and the Most Holy Virgin in their mysteries and this vision - so consoling and marvelous - of the Divine Will which governs the world. Such resolution and generosity can come from no other source other than Divine Grace which absorbs the being of this soul. With these virtues she undergoes the greatest and most profound sacrifices which our Lord requests of her. Her sensitive and acute sentiments, along with her immense charity toward others springs from and has its foundation in the love of Jesus. And, moreover, The Substitution Of One's Own Will By The Will Of Our Lord can only come from Grace which allows her to remain peaceful, secure and content in the midst of the greatest tribulation, sufferings and aridity. And this constitutes the particular mission of this soul.
From all of these observations, made in passing, I harbor the conviction that the person in question is a soul of God and that the Work Being Accomplished In Her Is Divine. Although I do not know about the life or history of this soul, my examination of the book and effect which I myself have experienced with her discourse permits me to take this position. This discourse has placed in my spirit a new yearning for a more intense spirituality. Only God holds the keys to man's heart and causes it to vibrate toward sanctification..."
With deepest regard to your Reverence,
Fray Consalvo Valls, O.F.M.
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