St. Maria Goretti By Christine

St. Maria Maria Teresa Goretti was born on October 16, 1890 in Coronado, in the Province of Ancona, then in the Kingdom of Italy. She was the third out of six children. Her sisters were named Teresa and Ersilia; her brothers were Angelo, Sandrino, and Mariano. By the time she was six, her family had become so poor that they were forced to give up their farm, move, and work for other farmers. Soon, Maria's father became very sick with malaria, and died when Maria was just nine. While her brothers, mother, and sister worked in the fields, Maria would cook, sew, watch her infant sister, and keep the house clean. It was a hard life, but the family was very close. They shared a deep love for God and the faith.

How St. Maria Goretti died One day a eleven year old, Maria was sewing and her 18 year old neighbor, Alessandro came in and threatened her with death if she did not do as he said. He was intending to rape her. She would not let him do this to her however, protesting that what he wanted to do was a mortal sin and warning Alessandro that he would go to Hell. She desperately fought to stop Alessandro. She kept screaming, "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!" Alessandro first choked Maria, but when she insisted she would rather die than submit to him, he stabbed her eleven times. The injured Maria tried to reach for the door, but Alessandro stopped her by stabbing her three more times before running away.

How Alessandro was forgiven As Maria lay in the hospital, she forgave Alessandro before she died. Her death didn't end her forgiveness. Alessandro was captured and was sent to jail for thirty years. Suddenly, he had a dream that he was in a garden. Maria was there and gave him flowers. When he woke, he was a changed man, repenting of his crime and living a new life. When he was released after 27 years he went directly to Maria's mother to beg her forgiveness, which she gave. "If my daughter can forgive him, who am I to hold forgiveness," she said.

How St. Maria became a saint When Maria was declared a saint in 1950, Alessandro was there in the St. Peter's crowd to celebrate her becoming a saint. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 for her purity as model for youth. She is called a martyr because she fought against Alessandro's attempts at sexual assault. However, the most important aspect of her story is her forgiveness of her attacker her concern for her enemy extending even beyond death. Her feast day is on July 6. St.Maria Goretti is the patroness of youth and for the victims of rape.

St. Maria's prayer Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially youth, with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.

Pictures Stature of St. Maria St. Maria St. Maria on glass

Thank you This is the end of my saints presentation.