St. Maria Goretti

Their story

Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy, to a poor farming family. When she was young, the family moved south to work the land near Nettuno, sharing a house with another family, the Serenellis. Her father died of malaria when she was nine, and Maria helped her mother by cooking, cleaning and caring for her younger brothers and sisters. She was a cheerful, prayerful girl who loved the Eucharist and made her First Communion with great joy. Alessandro Serenelli, a young man who lived in the same house, began pressuring Maria. On July 5, 1902, he found her alone and tried to force himself on her. Maria, not yet twelve, refused, telling him that what he wanted was a sin against God. In his rage he stabbed her many times. She was taken to the hospital, where she suffered greatly. Before she died the next day, July 6, she forgave Alessandro and said she wanted him to be with her in heaven. Alessandro was sent to prison and at first showed no remorse. Years later he had a dream in which Maria offered him flowers, and his heart was changed. After his release he begged Maria's mother for forgiveness, and she forgave him. They received Communion side by side at Christmas Mass. Pope Pius XII canonized Maria in 1950, with her mother present, and Alessandro, now a penitent, lived out his life with the Capuchin friars. St. Maria Goretti is a patron of purity and of young people, a sign of the dignity of every person, and a gentle companion for survivors of sexual assault. Her forgiveness shows that the mercy of Christ can reach even the deepest wounds.