St. Maria Goretti
Virgin Martyr, Patroness of Purity
Feast Day: July 6
Biography
St. Maria Goretti (1890–1902) was an Italian girl from a poor farming family. At age eleven, she was attacked by her neighbor Alessandro Serenelli. She resisted, crying 'No, it is a sin! God does not want it!' He stabbed her fourteen times. She died the next day, having forgiven Alessandro. He was sentenced to thirty years in prison, where he had a vision of Maria offering him flowers. He converted, and after his release, visited Maria's mother to beg forgiveness. He was present at Maria's canonization in 1950. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII before the largest crowd ever assembled for a canonization at that time.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Maria Goretti, you chose death rather than sin. Help me to guard purity in thought, word, and deed, and grant me the grace to forgive those who have hurt me. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Maria Goretti, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Maria Goretti, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.