In 1910 Saint Annibale Di Francia arrived in Corato, the Trani Diocese, to establish an orphanage. Father Annibale Di Francia met Luisa Piccarreta for the first time, beginning a series of visits and a frequent and intimate spiritual contact with Luisa, which lasted 17 years, until he died (June 1, 1927).
St. Pius X (1903-14)
Motto “renew all things in Christ
In the year of A.D. 1903, Luisa completed the 1st volume of her life, up to the point on February 28, A.D. 1899, when she was given the obedience to write.
“Several witnesses relate that one day Father Annibale came to the house of Luisa more content than ever, and said that he had brought this book to the Holy Father, Saint Pious X, who had received him several times in private audience. Father Annibale was reading him one of the Hours (that of the Crucifixion), when the Pope interrupted, saying: “Not this way, Father, but kneeling one must read. It is Jesus Christ that is speaking.”
Finally, Father Annibale, as Censor of the writings, obtained the Imprimatur from His Excellency the Archbishop of Trani for the volumes written by Luisa (at that time there were already nineteen).