Saint Maria's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Saint Maria Goretti was an Italian martyr who is remembered for her unwavering faith and courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy, Maria grew up in a humble family with little means but abundant love and devotion to their faith. From a young age, Maria was known for her piety and strong moral character, which set her apart from her peers. Her devotion to God and her commitment to living a virtuous life would ultimately lead to her martyrdom at the tender age of 11.

Maria's life took a tragic turn when her family's farm was left in the care of a neighbor, Alessandro Serenelli, after her father's death. In 1902, when Maria was just 11 years old, Alessandro attempted to sexually assault her. Maria resisted his advances, telling him that it was a sin and that he would go to hell. This enraged Alessandro, who then brutally stabbed Maria 14 times before fleeing the scene. As she lay dying, Maria forgave her attacker and expressed her desire for his repentance and conversion.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Maria managed to survive for 24 hours after the attack. During this time, she exhibited remarkable grace and forgiveness, never once expressing hatred or anger towards Alessandro. Her final words were a declaration of her readiness to meet her Heavenly Father and her forgiveness of her assailant. Her death on July 6, 1902, was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her faith and her willingness to forgive even those who had wronged her in the most heinous manner.

The story of Maria's extraordinary courage and forgiveness quickly captured the hearts of people around the world. Alessandro, who was captured and imprisoned for his crime, initially showed no remorse. However, he experienced a profound conversion after a vision of Maria in which she offered him lilies, symbolizing purity and forgiveness. Upon his release from prison, Alessandro sought out Maria's mother to ask for her forgiveness, which she granted. This powerful display of forgiveness and reconciliation between the two families was instrumental in Maria's eventual canonization as a saint in 1950.

Saint Maria Goretti's life and legacy continue to inspire and hold a special place in the hearts of many. Her incredible ability to forgive her attacker and her unwavering commitment to her faith serve as an example of the transformative power of forgiveness and the strength that can be found in remaining steadfast in one's beliefs, even in the face of immense suffering.

Today, Saint Maria Goretti is revered as the patron saint of chastity, rape victims, and forgiveness. Her feast day is celebrated on July 6, the anniversary of her death. Pilgrims from all over the world visit her shrine in Nettuno, Italy, to pay homage to this remarkable young girl whose faith and courage continue to touch the lives of countless individuals.

In a world marked by violence, hatred, and division, the story of Saint Maria Goretti serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness and the enduring strength of faith. Her remarkable life and unwavering commitment to her beliefs continue to inspire countless individuals to seek healing, reconciliation, and peace in the face of adversity. Saint Maria Goretti's example of forgiveness and her steadfast devotion to her faith serve as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for all those who seek to live virtuously and extend love and forgiveness to others, even in the most trying of circumstances. Her legacy lives on as a testament to the profound impact that one person's unwavering faith and forgiveness can have on the world.