Isola del Liri, March 31, 2025 – A day of listening, discovery, and remembrance offered a group of students from the “Leonardo da Vinci” Scientific High School in Sora (FR) the opportunity to delve into the fascinating story of Emilio Pisani, a key figure in the worldwide dissemination of the writings of Maria Valtorta.
The event took place at the headquarters of the Maria Valtorta Heir Foundation and the Valtortian Publishing Center, located in Isola del Liri, in the province of Frosinone. The initiative, proposed and led by Prof. Fabio Reali, proved to be a valuable opportunity to introduce the younger generation to a unique and passionate publishing journey—rooted in local history but with a global impact.
A Journey Through Memory and Toward the Future
The students traced the key stages of this editorial adventure, which began in the second half of the last century when Emilio Pisani started frequenting his family’s business, M. Pisani Publishing and Printing House. At that time—still marked by the scars of World War II—the future was uncertain, and business decisions were often driven more by ideals than profit.
It was in the 1950s that Emilio, at the request of his father Michele and in collaboration with Father Berti, began overseeing the publication of Maria Valtorta’s writings. From there, a decades-long commitment took shape—woven from intuition, sacrifice, and deep faith.
Among the episodes shared, one story in particular captured the students’ curiosity: after printing the fourth volume of the work, the publisher wrote to readers who had not purchased the second and third volumes, offering to buy back the first volume, which could not be reprinted due to a shortage of lead. A decision that, by today’s business standards, would seem unprofitable, yet it reflects how Emilio approached his work—with courage, consistency, and a vision far beyond mere economic gain.
A Small Town with a Global Reach
Another key theme of the meeting was the international spread of Maria Valtorta’s work. Students were surprised to learn that, from a small town in Lazio, thanks to a network of passionate and persevering contacts, Valtorta’s writings have now been translated into around 30 languages, including Japanese, Arabic, and Vietnamese.
In addition to the historical and editorial aspects, the students also showed great interest in the spiritual dimension of the work carried out by Emilio Pisani and his wife Claudia Vecchiarelli. Their mission was never limited to simply distributing a printed text; it always aimed to convey a deeper message.
A Legacy Passed On
One of the most moving moments of the event was the story of how Emilio Pisani, after the death of his wife, decided to hand over his publishing company to his collaborators, turning his values into a concrete act. For years, he had encouraged his staff to manage everything as if it were their own—and in the end, he made them true owners, in a symbolic and trusting passing of the torch.
From Story to Experience
After a brief refreshment at the Foundation, the students visited the Valtortian Publishing Center, where they were able to observe first-hand the digital printing, prepress, and book-finishing processes. The visit also included a stop at the multilingual library, where they leafed through rare and beautiful editions—such as those in Japanese—distinguished by unique linguistic and graphic care.
An Experience to Remember
The day ended with a special surprise: the real-time printing of a small booklet, produced during the visit and given to each student as a keepsake. A symbolic gesture that brought their learning to life in a tangible way.
Just before lunchtime, the students left the Foundation, enriched by the discovery of not only a fascinating editorial story, but a living testimony of consistency, passion, and vision—a legacy that continues to speak to new generations.
