Saint Maria Goretti

Maria Goretti praying (http://www.wf-f.org/WFFResource/Maria-Goretti.jpg)

Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890 in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy. She died on July 6, 1902 in Nettuno, Rome, Italy. She was the daughter of six and her father was a poor tenant farmer. Maria never had any schooling, therefore she never learned to read or write before her death.

Her father died of malaria during her childhood, leaving just Maria's mother to provide for their family. They had to give up their farm and move to the Serenelli farm in order to survive. Maria had been physically mature for her young age so she knew how to live to fight through the hardships. She would spend her time cleaning and helping around the house rather than playing out in the streets with the other children. Maria went to church regularly and was so glad when she received her First Communion. She truly felt the presence of God in her life.

On July 5,1902, a man who lived on the farm, Alessandro Serenelli of 18 years, came and forced Maria into her room. He harassed her and was going to sexually abuse her. Maria pleaded that she would rather die then go through with what he was planning to do. He began choking her and threatening her but she didn't give in. She kept saying she would rather die then to commit a mortal sin. Maria argued that God did not want this and that he would go to hell. Alessandro, being fed up with her, stabbed her as many as 14 times.

Peaceful Saint Maria Goretti

On her death bed, Maria forgave her murderer. She prayed to God for him while she was suffering. She also prayed for her mother's care. After 24 hours she passed away. Alessandro was sent to prison and refused to admit to his supposed crime. A while later Alessandro had a dream that Maria gave him flowers and forgave him. This affected his whole output on life. After twenty-seven years in prison, he was freed. He went straight to the Goretti household and begged forgiveness from Maria's mother. Maria's mother forgave him because Maria had the strength to forgive him before her death.

On April 27, 1947, Pope Pius XII declared Maria "blessed". Then three years later, on July 25, Maria was declared a saint. Maria is the patron saint of youth, young ladies, and victims of rape. She is known as a martyr of holy purity.