The Saintly Love Letters of Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi: A Testament to Holy Marriage
The love story of Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi is one that transcends time and space, revealing a deep and intimate connection that is both holy and passionate. Their love letters, exchanged over the course of their marriage, offer a glimpse into the profound bond that they shared, a bond that was celebrated by Pope John Paul II when he beatified them in 2001.
Fr. Pascal Ide, a scholar on holy couples, was astounded by the discovery of the Quattrocchis’ correspondence, which he describes as full of “erotic love, eros, still inflamed with desire.” This erotic love, he explains, is not limited to mere sexual attraction, but is a vital part of Christian marriage, alongside the loves of friendship (philia) and self-giving (agape).
What sets the Quattrocchis apart is not just the depth of their love, but the unique and creative ways in which they expressed it. Maria and Luigi often used English in their letters, a language they were not native to, when their feelings became too bold to express in their native Italian. They also used symbolic gestures, such as putting a kiss on the paper so that the other could receive it upon reading the letter.
Their love for each other was a vital need, as they often expressed in their letters. They used metaphors of hunger and thirst to describe the depth of their longing for one another, with Maria writing, “My soul needs your soul to live,” and Luigi responding, “Only your love can give me the force of living.”
The power of memories also played a significant role in their love story, as Luigi recalled a moment when he wished to kiss Maria, describing it as a “moment of divine happenings” that left him trembling with emotion.
The love story of Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi serves as a testament to the enduring power of love, both in its earthly and spiritual dimensions. Their love letters reveal a love that is both affectionate and intimate, a love that continues to inspire and captivate all those who encounter it.