Feast Day: July 6
Saint Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Italy. She was the third of seven children in a poor farming family. Her father died when she was nine years old. Maria helped her mother with the household chores and took care of her younger siblings.
Maria was known for her strong faith and devotion to God. She attended Mass regularly and prayed often. Despite her young age, she had a deep love for Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Her friends and family admired her kindness and purity.
When Maria was just eleven years old, a tragic event changed her life. On July 5, 1902, a young man named Alessandro Serenelli tried to attack her. Maria resisted, wanting to protect her purity. Alessandro stabbed her fourteen times. She was taken to the hospital, but she died the next day.
Before she died, Maria forgave Alessandro and prayed for his soul. Her forgiveness and faith touched many people. Alessandro later repented and asked for Maria’s forgiveness. Saint Maria Goretti was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. She is remembered as a martyr and a model of purity and forgiveness.
A Simple Life of Faith
Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy. She was the third of seven children. Her parents, Luigi and Assunta, were poor farmers. The family worked hard to make ends meet.
When Maria was six, the family moved to Ferriere di Conca. They hoped to find better farming opportunities. Sadly, when Maria was nine, her father died of malaria. This left the family in a difficult situation. Maria’s mother had to work in the fields to support the family.
Maria took on many responsibilities at home. She cooked, cleaned, and cared for her younger siblings. Despite the hard work, Maria remained joyful and devoted to her faith. She prayed daily and often went to Mass. Her deep love for Jesus and Mary guided her actions.
Even though life was tough, Maria never complained. She trusted God and found peace in prayer. Her simple life was filled with love, faith, and hard work. Her early years showed her strong character and devotion to God.
A Martyr of Purity
On July 5, 1902, Maria Goretti was alone at home. She was sewing while her mother worked in the fields. Alessandro Serenelli, a young man who lived next door, approached her. He had evil intentions and wanted to harm her.
Alessandro tried to force Maria to commit a sin. Maria resisted with all her strength. She kept saying, “No, it is a sin. God does not want it.” Alessandro became angry and attacked her. He stabbed her fourteen times with a knife.
Maria was found bleeding and in great pain. She was rushed to the hospital, but her injuries were severe. The doctors tried to save her, but there was little hope. Despite her suffering, Maria remained calm and prayed.
Before she died, Maria forgave Alessandro. She said, “I forgive him for the love of Jesus, and I want him to be with me in paradise.” Her forgiveness was sincere and from the heart. She died the next day, on July 6, 1902. Maria was only eleven years old.
Alessandro was arrested and sent to prison. At first, he showed no remorse. However, over time, he repented. He had a dream where Maria gave him lilies, which burned in his hands. This dream deeply moved him and led to his conversion.
After twenty-seven years in prison, Alessandro was released. He sought forgiveness from Maria’s mother, Assunta. She forgave him, saying, “If Maria forgave you, how could I not?” Alessandro later became a lay brother in a monastery. He dedicated his life to prayer and penance.
Saint Maria Goretti’s martyrdom is a powerful example of purity and forgiveness. Her strength in the face of evil and her willingness to forgive deeply inspired many people. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950. She is a model for all who seek to live a pure and forgiving life.
An Enduring Legacy of Faith
Saint Maria Goretti’s legacy continues to inspire many people around the world. Her story of purity and forgiveness is powerful. It shows the strength of faith and love for God. Many people look to her as a model of virtue.
Maria is often called the “Little Saint of Great Courage.” She showed bravery in defending her purity. She also showed great compassion by forgiving her attacker. Her actions remind us of the importance of forgiveness and mercy in our lives.
Many churches and schools are named after Saint Maria Goretti. Pilgrims visit her shrine in Nettuno, Italy, where her remains are kept. They pray for her intercession and seek strength from her example. Her story continues to touch hearts and change lives.
Saint Maria Goretti was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Her feast day is celebrated on July 6th. Her life and martyrdom inspire people to live with faith, purity, and compassion.
Patron Saint
St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of victims of rape and crime, teenage girls, modern youth, purity, and forgiveness.
Daily Mass Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr
The readings may be taken from below, the readings for the day, the Common of Virgins, or the Common of Martyrs.
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20: Our bodies are for the Lord, forming one spirit with Him. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we must avoid immorality, respecting and glorifying God in our bodies.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 31: The Lord is a refuge, a rock, and a guide. Trusting in His faithfulness, we commit our spirit into His hands, hoping for deliverance from enemies and seeking His shining face.
- Gospel – John 12:24-26: Jesus teaches his disciples that unless a grain of wheat falls and dies, it cannot bear much fruit. He emphasizes that those who love their earthly life will lose it, but those who are willing to let go of it will gain eternal life. Jesus declares that to serve Him, one must follow Him, and those who serve Him will be honored by the Father.
Resources
Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation Gifts
St. Maria bangle bracelet: The St. Maria Goretti Bangle Bracelet features five Italian charms: Saint Medal, Mini Miraculous Medal, Four Way Cross, Holy Spirit Charm, and Hands In Prayer Charm. It’s on a stainless steel expandable bangle, available in Small, Medium, or Large. It comes in a gift bag.
Saint Maria Goretti Wooden Plaque: This plaque shows a depiction of Saint Maria Goretti with the words “Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!” It’s a great gift for baptism, first communion, confirmation, or any occasion. The image can also be used on other products available from this store.
St. Maria Tiny Saints Charm: The St. Maria Goretti Tiny Saints charm is a colorful, durable PVC charm. It can clip to backpacks, keychains, purses, and more. Tiny Saints are fun ways to learn about the saints and pray for their help. Collect your favorite saints and start your Tiny Saint collection today!
The Life and Witness of Saint Maria Goretti: Our Little Saint of the Beatitudes: Read about the life and witness of Saint Maria Goretti, who showed great holiness despite suffering. She died protecting her purity and later forgave her attacker. Fr. Jeffrey Kirby reflects on how she and her family lived the Beatitudes daily. Turn to St. Maria Goretti for inspiration.
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Questions and Answers about Saint Maria Goretti
Who is Saint Maria Goretti?
She was an Italian girl known for her strong faith and purity. She became a saint after she died protecting her purity.
When was Saint Maria Goretti born?
She was born on October 16, 1890.
How did Saint Maria Goretti die?
She was attacked and stabbed by a young man named Alessandro Serenelli. She died from her injuries the next day, on July 6, 1902.
Why is Saint Maria Goretti famous?
She is famous for forgiving her attacker before she died. Her story of purity and forgiveness has inspired many people.
When was Saint Maria Goretti canonized?
Saint Maria Goretti was canonized on June 24, 1950, by Pope Pius XII.
What is Saint Maria Goretti the patron saint of?
She is the patron saint of victims of rape and crime, teenage girls, young people, purity, and forgiveness.
Where can I find the remains of Saint Maria Goretti?
The remains of Saint Maria Goretti are kept at her shrine in Nettuno, Italy.
What is the feast day of Saint Maria Goretti?
The feast day of Saint Maria Goretti is celebrated on July 6th.
How did Saint Maria Goretti forgive her attacker?
Before she died, she forgave her attacker and prayed for his soul.
How did Saint Maria Goretti’s attacker change?
Saint Maria Goretti’s attacker, Alessandro Serenelli, repented while in prison. He later asked for forgiveness and changed his life.
What are the Mass readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Maria Goretti?
The readings may be taken from below, the readings for the day, the Common of Virgins, or the Common of Martyrs.
First Reading – 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20: Sanctity of the Body
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 31: Seeking Divine Refuge
Gospel – John 12:24-26: The Call to Self-Sacrifice and Eternal Life
Conclusion
Saint Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Italy. She grew up in a poor farming family with six siblings. Her father died when she was nine years old, leaving the family in hardship. Maria helped her mother with chores and cared for her younger siblings. Despite her tough life, she stayed joyful and deeply faithful.
On July 5, 1902, a young man named Alessandro Serenelli attacked Maria. He tried to force himself upon her, but she resisted. Alessandro stabbed her fourteen times. Maria was taken to the hospital but died the next day. Before she died, she forgave Alessandro and prayed for him. Her act of forgiveness showed her strong faith and love for God.
Alessandro was arrested and sent to prison. He repented while in prison, influenced by a dream of Maria giving him lilies. After his release, he asked for forgiveness from Maria’s mother, who forgave him. Alessandro later lived a life of prayer and penance.
Saint Maria Goretti was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. She is remembered as a model of purity and forgiveness. Her feast day is July 6th, and many churches and schools are named after her. Her story continues to inspire people worldwide to live with faith, purity, and compassion.
Your Turn
Learn more about Saint Maria Goretti and her inspiring story of faith and forgiveness. Learn about her shrine, read her biography, and pray for her intercession. Share what you discover and how her story touches you.
We invite you to leave your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below. Let’s spread the message of purity, faith, and forgiveness together.
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