July 6, 2021

St. Maria Goretti (1890-1902) was born in Corinaldo, in the Ancona Province in Italy. When her father died of malaria, Maria's mother had to struggle to feed her children. Maria's mother, brothers, and sisters worked in the fields while she cooked, sewed, kept the house clean, and watched her youngest sister Teresa. Though the family's circumstances were extremely difficult, they were very close and loved God.

On July 5, 1902, Maria was sitting outside the steps of her home sewing. A guy named Alessandro surprised her and grabbed her from her steps. When he tried to rape her, Maria cried that it was a mortal sin and warned that he would go to hell. When Alessandro persisted, she fought him and screamed, "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!" At her words, Alessandro began to choke her and she said she would rather die than submit. Upon hearing her words, Alexander pulled out a knife and stabbed her eleven times. When she attempted to reach the door, he stabbed her three more times then fled.

One night during his 27 years in prison her attacker dreamt of Maria giving him flowers. When he woke up he repented for his crime and asked forgiveness from Maria's mother.

St. Maria Goretti please pray for the safety of innocent children.

Patron of: Youth, young women, purity, and victims of rape.