Maria Goretti was born in Corinaldo (Ancona) on October 16, 1890, the second of six children. Her parents, Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini, poor and simple peasants, decided to emigrate from the Marche region to the Pontine plain to support their family.
In 1900 her father Luigi died of malaria, and her mother began to work hard, leaving Maria in charge of caring for her siblings and managing the household. This situation did not diminish her joy, supported by an intense daily prayer life with the Holy Rosary, participation in the Eucharist, and loving and generous service to her family.
First Communion and the resolution of holiness
In May 1902: at only eleven years old (she would have turned twelve in October), Maria experienced her First Communion, a milestone that would forever mark her faith journey.
She desired this moment with all her being. When her mother Assunta, worried, had pointed out that she did not yet know how to read and that they did not have money for the white dress, little Marietta reassured her with complete trust: “Mom, but I want to make Communion! God will provide.”
It was precisely her deep devotion to the Eucharist that gave rise to a radical desire for holiness in her. On that occasion, Maria chose in the depths of her heart to offer her life to God rather than betray Him, making a resolution that would prove prophetic: “to prefer death rather than offend God by committing a sin.”
Martyrdom and death (July 6, 1902)
Shortly after, the time came to put that resolution of holiness into practice. Alessandro Serenelli, an 18-year-old young man, who had long been a friend of Maria, so much so that she considered him almost like a brother, attacked her with the intention of raping her. Maria Goretti resisted with all her might to escape that act of carnal violence. The reaction of her tormentor was very violent, inflicting 14 stab wounds on her with a piercer.
Alessandro himself reported her exact and desperate words:
“No, no, God does not want it! Alessandro, what are you doing? You are going to hell!”
And continuing to struggle to push him away: “No, no, it is a sin! Do not touch me!”
Maria Goretti was taken to the hospital, but her condition was immediately very critical. After the operation she underwent, still conscious.
Saint Maria Goretti had the time and courage to forgive her killer, whispering to her mother, who was beside her:
“For the love of Jesus, I forgive him; I want him to come with me to Paradise.”
On her deathbed, she was enrolled among the Daughters of Mary, received the last sacraments, and left this world to be welcomed into God’s arms. It was July 6, 1902.
Alessandro Serenelli’s journey and Canonization (1950)
After the murder, her killer, Alessandro Serenelli, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. His imprisonment led to deep repentance and the beginning of a conversion, supported by the heavenly intercession of Maria Goretti, who appeared to him in a dream and urged him to have faith, because he too would enter Paradise. Maria Goretti’s prayer to forgive her aggressor was the spark that opened Alessandro Serenelli to the hope of God’s forgiveness, initiating a path of conversion, accompanied by a long period of repentance and penance in prison.
When Alessandro Serenelli was released after 27 years of imprisonment, he decided to ask for forgiveness from the mother of the young woman he had murdered (Assunta) and received the grace to embrace religious life.
To crown this story of holiness and reconciliation, Maria Goretti was proclaimed a saint in 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
The liturgical feast of Saint Maria Goretti is on July 6.
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Prayer of John Paul II to Saint Maria Goretti (September 29, 1991)
Faithful martyr
and shining example of daily holiness,
made glorious
by the seal of the immolated Lamb,
help us all;
especially help young people,
who admire your heroism,
and wish to imitate you
in the fervor of faith
and in the purity of customs.
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Prayer of Pius XII to Saint Maria Goretti on the occasion of the canonization, June 24, 1950
Hail, O sweet and lovable Saint!
Martyr on earth and angel in heaven,
from your glory, turn your gaze upon this people, who love you, who venerate you, who glorify you, who exalt you.
On your forehead you bear clearly and brightly the victorious name of Christ (cf. Rev. 3, 12); on your virginal face is the strength of love, the constancy of fidelity to the divine Spouse; you are a bride of blood, to reflect His image in you.
To you, powerful with the Lamb of God, we entrust these Our sons and daughters present here and all others who are spiritually united with Us.
They admire your heroism, but even more they wish to be your imitators in the fervor of faith and in the incorruptible purity of morals.
To you fathers and mothers turn, so that you may assist them in their educational mission.
In you, through Our hands, childhood and all youth find refuge, so that they may be protected from all contamination and may walk the path of life in the serenity and joy of the pure of heart. Amen.
