Luisa Piccarreta & the Divine Will

The Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta - Status of her Cause

January 2020

The Congregation for the Causes of the Saints continues its review of the documentation on the heroic virtues of Luisa, but is doing so without consideration of her writings.  The writings (in 36 volumes) are being studied separately. A critical edition in Italian (translated from the local dialect of the Servant of God) is completed and in review. Upon review they will be submitted to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for approval. Translation from this typical critical edition into other languages will be under the authority of the Archbishop of Trani.

A review of the relevant websites, for the Archdiocese and for the Cause, shows no published changes by the current archbishop, Most Rev. Leonardo D'Ascenzo (2017), to the decisions of his predecessors regarding the language editions, prayer groups and other matters connected with the propagation of the devotion to the Servant of God.

Archdiocese of Trani-Barletta-Biscelli

Postulation for the Cause of Luisa Piccaretta

The Communique of the then Archbishop of Trani, Most Rev. Giovanni Battista Pichierri, of November 1st, 2012, remains the most recent official statement on these matters. In order not to prejudice the Cause and scandalize others, he reiterated that all things be done in communion with the local Ordinaries (e.g. prayer groups, reading of the writings etc.), that unauthorized translations not be promoted, and that explanations inconsistent with the teaching of the Church not be promulgated, and that the critical edition of the writings with theological explanations be awaited, as well as other requests previously made in prior communications.

At this time there are still NO official English translations of any of the volumes. As previously stated to EWTN by the Postulation, the complexity of translating from the dialect used by the author into Italian, and then from Italian into other languages, and doing so consistent with the doctrine of the Faith, makes it absolutely necessary that the prohibition of unauthorized translations be observed. When the critical edition with theological notes is completed, and approved by the Holy See, only then will the Postulation authorize translations, and then only from the critical edition.

In summary:

1. The life and virtues of Luisa Piccarreti are being examined at the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, following approval of the positive result of the documentary process by the Archbishop of Trani in 2005, and then committed to the Congregation at that time. Evidence suggests this process nears completion. 

2. Her writings are being examined on a separate track, in view of producing a critical edition with appropriate commentary in keeping with the teaching of the Magisterium.

3. No change in the norms and guidance provided by the Archbishop of Trani in previous official communications has occurred.

Historical Documents: