Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, a small town in Italy. She was the third of six children born to Luigi and Assunta Goretti, who were poor farmers. Maria’s family was deeply religious and devoted to their Catholic faith.
At a young age, Maria showed a deep love for God and an understanding of the importance of living a virtuous life. She received her First Holy Communion at the age of seven and began attending Mass daily. Maria was also known for her kindness and generosity, often helping her mother with household chores and caring for her younger siblings.
In 1902, Maria’s family moved to a farm in the village of Ferriere di Conca, where they lived with another family, the Serenellis. The Serenellis had a son named Alessandro, who was three years older than Maria. Alessandro was known for his violent temper and his reputation as a troublemaker.
On July 5, 1902, while Maria was working in the fields, Alessandro attacked her, intent on raping her. Maria refused to submit to him and fought back, screaming for help. Alessandro became enraged and stabbed her fourteen times. Maria was rushed to the hospital but died the next day, July 6, 1902.
Alessandro was arrested and eventually sentenced to thirty years in prison for his crime. During his imprisonment, he experienced a profound conversion, thanks in part to a vision of Maria who appeared to him and forgave him for his actions. Alessandro became a devout Catholic and lived the rest of his life in repentance for his sins.
Maria was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XII on June 24, 1950. She is known for her courage, purity, and forgiveness, and is often invoked as a patron saint of young women and victims of violence. Her feast day is celebrated on July 6.
St. Maria Goretti’s life offers many lessons that we can apply to our own lives, including:
- Courage: Maria demonstrated tremendous courage in standing up to Alessandro and refusing to submit to his advances. She faced a violent and terrifying situation with bravery and determination.
- Forgiveness: Despite the heinous crime committed against her, Maria forgave Alessandro and showed him compassion. Her forgiveness serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of extending mercy and compassion to others, even in difficult circumstances.
- Purity: Maria’s commitment to living a virtuous life and maintaining her purity serves as an inspiration to all of us to strive for moral excellence in our own lives.
- Faith: Maria’s deep faith in God and her devotion to the Catholic Church sustained her throughout her short life. Her example reminds us of the importance of cultivating our spiritual lives and relying on our faith to guide us through difficult times.
- Love for others: Maria’s life was marked by a selfless love for others, particularly her family. She cared for her younger siblings and helped her mother with household chores, demonstrating the importance of putting the needs of others before our own.
Overall, St. Maria Goretti’s life is a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and courage in the face of adversity. Her example offers us inspiration and guidance as we navigate the challenges of our own lives.
