Msgr. Valerian D'Souza and Maria Valtorta
Born in 1933 and died in 2020, Mgr Valerian D'Souza was bishop of the Diocese of Pune (Poona), a sprawling city in the state of Maharashtra, southeast of Mumbai (Bombay). It is in Pune that the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi rest.
Biography
Mgr Valerian D'Souza was Bishop of Pune from 1977 to 2009. He was nicknamed "the singing bishop" because he willingly conveyed the Word of God through song, accompanying himself on the guitar. Renowned for his eloquence, his humor and his joy of living touched people's hearts.
He held several regional responsibilities and was called by Pope John Paul II to sit on the pontifical council "Cor Unum", focused on action for the needy and the afflicted. Even after his retirement, he continued to invest himself actively in the pastoral ministry of the Diocese of Poona until his death in 2020.
On the occasion of his episcopal silver jubilee[1] in September 2002, two collections of his writings were published: "Love is the only Answer" and "Shepherd's Voice."
During his episcopate, thirteen new parish churches and eight new school buildings were constructed. He also created social action centers for children, women and marginalized people.
Opinion on the Work of Maria Valtorta
In 1992, he wrote:
Bishop's House25 February, 1992
Dear Fr. Louis,
The "Poem of the Man God"[2] by Maria Valtorta has given me very much for my own personal life and for my ministry. These 5 volumes[3] should be widely distributed and read. I myself have made many priests, religious and also lay people aware of this work and encouraged them to read it.
That you are having the "Poem of the Man God" translated into Malayalam[4] is a very great service you are doing to those who speak Malayalam. It is an enormous task and I marvel at your enterprise and courage.
Wishing you God's abundant blessings,
Yours fratenally in Christ,
Valerian D'Souza
Bishop of Pune
Notes and References
- ↑ An episcopal silver jubilee celebrates the 25th anniversary of a bishop's episcopal ordination.
- ↑ Known today under the title The Gospel as Revealed to Me.
- ↑ In the English edition.
- ↑ Malayalam is a local language of India, spoken primarily in Kerala.