November 12, 1997

 Dear friends,

          What a joy it is to have arrived at the best years of life and to reflect on so many years of having lived in the land of the saints, as our beautiful Apulia is often called. One of my greatest joys has been able to work so close with the Association which I co-founded in Corato, together with Sister Assunta Marigliano, and to now see that, we are ever closer to having a new saint. For us here in Corato she will never be "Saint Luisa," but will always be "Luisa the saint." As a seminarian in the late 1930’s, our spiritual director shared Luisa’s Writings with us students on a daily basis, and we were awed that a soul so intimate with God resided in our very midst.

          During my many years of ministry in this Archdiocese I have seen Luisa loved, crucified, risen, and I know my days will not end until I see her exalted to the honor of the altar as, without any shadow of doubt, she deserves. The theology of her spirituality brings confusion to the intelligent, wonder and hope to the simple, and now brings a depth of understanding to the Church which, as I have always held, could very well be a new heavens and a new earth for all the faithful. The praises which I offer do not come from having served as rector of our pontifical seminary for fifteen years, but from many years of meditating our Lord’s own prayer – let Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

          Be gentle with our Luisa, for she is our pride and joy. Honor the inheritance she has passed on to the world in her Writings. Pray for her intercession before the Trinity for your sanctification in God’s very own Spirit, for this is the reason why we were created. It is a matter of glory – given, and shared – which will shepherd us through eternity. "If you only knew what it means not to live in the divine Fiat you would die rather than give life to your own will." These words, often spoken by our Lord to Luisa, have led me through my own episcopacy, and now that I may rest in my aged reflections, I can see that it is a wine in which I greatly delight.

          God bless you all in your retreat. May you mature in love and holiness in your days of friendship and rejoicing.