St. Maria Goretti
Feast Day: July 6
“It is better to die than to sin.” – St. Maria Goretti
A Martyr of Purity and Forgiveness
St. Maria Goretti is honored as a young martyr for purity, known for her courage in defending her dignity and for her heroic act of forgiveness toward her attacker. Her feast day, celebrated on July 6, commemorates her witness to the Gospel through chastity, mercy, and love.
A Child of Humble Faith
Maria was born in 1890 in Corinaldo, Italy, to a poor farming family. Her father died when she was young, and Maria, the third of seven children, took on many responsibilities—cooking, cleaning, and caring for her younger siblings—while remaining deeply devoted to prayer, the Eucharist, and her faith.
Courage in the Face of Evil
At the age of 11, Maria was attacked by Alessandro Serenelli, a young man who attempted to assault her. Maria resisted, crying out, “No! It is a sin! God does not want it!” In his rage, Alessandro stabbed her 14 times.
Even as she lay dying, Maria expressed forgiveness, saying, “I forgive him... I want him to be in heaven with me.” She died the next day, after receiving the sacraments with deep faith.
A Miracle of Conversion
While in prison, Alessandro was unrepentant until one night Maria appeared to him in a dream, offering him 14 white lilies, one for each stab wound. This profound experience led to his conversion, and he later repented publicly, lived a life of penance, and was present at Maria’s canonization.
Canonized with Her Mother Present
Maria was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, in a ceremony attended by her own mother—an extraordinary moment in Church history, as it was the first time a mother witnessed the canonization of her child.
Patron of Youth, Purity, and Forgiveness
St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of youth, young women, purity, victims of rape, and forgiveness, offering hope and inspiration to all who struggle with temptation, sin, and the call to forgive.
A Witness to Heroic Purity and Mercy
St. Maria Goretti’s life reminds the faithful that holiness is possible at any age, and that true victory comes not through revenge but through forgiveness, mercy, and unwavering faithfulness to God’s commandments.
St. Maria Goretti, pray for us!
