In 1977 Vita e Pensiero Pubishing House published “Sign of Contradiction”. The book is a collection of the spiritual exercizes preached in 1976 by Karol Wojtyla to Pope Paul VI and the Roman Curia. The following year, shortly after the election of Wojtyla to the Chair of Peter, Igino Giordani wrote a letter to the new Pontiff:

25 November 1978

Holy Father,

I am an 84 year old (!) focolarino.

I read your book: “Sign of Contradiction” and found it particularly enjoyable for two reasons: firstly, because of the way in which you dealt with the exalted topic with such rare wisdom and clarity; secondly, because I too, more than 40 years ago, with considerable presumption, wrote a book with the same title.

I take the liberty of sending you a copy of the latest edition of my book, as a humble tribute and  expression of the joy that I, like all the focolarini and nearly every other living person feels, because of your election to the Pontificate and because of the depth and spontaneity of your daily apostolate.

Please forgive my boldness, and grant me your blessing.

Devotedly yours,

Igino Giordani

An immediate response from the Vatican Secretary of State:

1 December 1978

Dear Sir,

In a greatly appreciated gesture of courtesy, you sent as a tribute to His Holiness, a letter and a copy of the volume edited by you with the title, “Sign of Contradiction”, already in its fifth edition.

The Holy Father has asked me to share with you his feelings of deep pleasure and heartfelt gratitude for the delicate act of homage, which he greatly appreciated. The Supreme Pontiff, therefore, is happy to reciprocate such veneration, giving the desired apostolic blessing as a sign of appreciation for your long activity in the service of Holy Church and as a wish of heavenly graces.

I gladly take this occasion to confirm with distinct deference to your illustrious person.

Most devotedly yours,

+C. Caprio