Maria Goretti was born October 16, 1890 in the small town of Corinaldo, Italy. Her parents were poor, but hardworking. Her father died when she was just ten, forcing Maria to grow up very fast. Her mother had to move the family in with another family named Serenelli.
The Serenelli's consisted of a father, John, and a son, Alessondro who was about 20 years old. The Serenelli's were not practicing Christians and participated in such things as drinking and pornography. It was difficult time for the Goretti family, but they did their best. Maria would often say to her mother, "Be brave, Mother. After all we're growing up. Soon we will be able to support the whole family and until then God will provide for us." Maria was always sweet and tended to her brothers and sisters while their mother was working in the fields.
Often Alessondro would pester Maria to do impure things with him. Maria firmly refused and told him such things were sins. As you can imagine Maria began to be frightened to stay home alone, yet she did not want to worry her mother with more troubles.
One day while everyone was outside, Alessondro came back to the house with a long piece of sharpened iron. He called out to Maria. She became paralyzed with fright. He grabbed her! She struggled crying out, "No, God doesn't want it! It is a sin!" Maria knew her body was a temple to the Holy Spirit and would not give in, but die to protect it. She fought back until he took the sharp weapon and furiously stabbed her six times. Thinking her dead, Alessondro left the room. Maria lay bleeding in excruciating pain. Somehow she was able to drag herself to the door and call for help. Alessondro heard her, came from his room, and stabbed her six more times. He then returned to his room and barred the door. Finding her her mother and friends frantically banded Maria's wounds and took her to the hospital.
At the hospital, a family priest was called to hear her confession and give her last rites. Amazingly she forgave her attacker and said I'm sure God will forgive him too. Maria, not quite twelve years old, died shortly there after.
Alessondro experienced a repentance and a conversion in prison and was at Maria's mother's side at the 1950 canonization of this amazing young saint.
Maria Goretti is a saint for the modern girl. She is an excellent example of purity, love, and forgiveness. She valued her dignity as a daughter of the King. To learn more about Maria there is a wonderful book called, In Garments All Red and a recently released Italian film, Maria Goretti, featured in the photo above. I highly recommend both of them.
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