On October 8, 2009, after the summer holidays, the Institute of St. Vincent Pallotti began again to reflect on the theme: “Judith and Mary, the symbolic figures in the spirituality of Pallotti”. Prof. Donatella Scaiola, a professor of Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical University Urbaniana, began her presentation with information on the Book of Judith. She explained that it was composed in the second century BC, a dramatic period for the Jews. It speaks of a woman called Judith, meaning "the Jews". Judith was a rich young widow, and was distinguished for her beauty, for her wisdom and for her faith tested in suffering. Her heroic act in the liberation of the city of Betulia from the power of the army of Holofernes served as an example to the Jewish people. Prof. Donatella said that in the figure of Judith many stories of the Old Testament are reflected, as for example, that of David and Goliath. At first glance it seems that the figures of Judith and Mary do not have a close bond. In fact the New Testament does not even mention the name “Judith”. Comparing, however, these two figures, we find in the Mary of Nazareth many characteristic traits of the spiritual figure of Judith. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, regarded herself a fragile woman, a servant of the Lord. In her faith, she raises her Magnificat to God who works great wonders in her and in her people.
Contemplating those two biblical figures was done by Pallotti in a rather traditional way, based on the biblical exegesis of that time and in the tradition of the Church. He had in mind to bring across to the people the faith and the great trust Judith and Mary had in God.
The teaching of the Book of Judith was a radical actuality at the time of Pallotti, as there was a great urgency to revive faith in the people. In conclusion, Prof. Donatella pointed out that even today the book of Judith retains its validity and has a profound missionary dimension.