Saint Maria Goretti
Today in the Church we remember a Saint that went home to God at a very young age. Saint Maria Goretti was not even twelve years old when she was martyred. In 1950, Assunta Goretti witnessed her daughter canonized by the pope in the plaza outside of St. Peter Basilica. Not too many parents in history have lived to see their child declared a saint. I’m sure you’re aware that even Saint Maria Goretti’s assailant, Alessandro, attended her canonization!
Saint Maria Goretti was born in poverty. She came from a family of farm laborers. When Saint Maria Goretti was about eight years old, her family was forced to move into a very unhealthy marshland and there they became tenant farmers, in partnership with Giovanni Serenelli and his son Alessandro. Sadly, a year into this move, Saint Maria Goretti’s father died. Saint Maria Goretti, noted for her cheerfulness, encouraged her mom and siblings as they were exhausted and discouraged with their current situation.
As mentioned, the Goretti family was in partnership with the Serenelli family. These two families lived together in an old dairy barn. The son, Alessandro, who was nine years older than Saint Maria Goretti, was also an angry young man. When Saint Maria Goretti was eleven years old, he made inappropriate advances to her. She refused him and he threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Saint Maria Goretti remained silent and was careful not to be alone with Alessandro in the house. One day, when Alessandro knew she was alone in the house, he made up an excuse to go home. There he made advances again. Saint Maria Goretti refused him and then he repeatedly stabbed her. During that time, Saint Maria Goretti forgave him and prayed for him. Her last words were, “I forgive Alessandro Serenelli … and I want him with me in heaven forever.”
Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Over time, he repented. When Alessandro was released, he went to Saint Maria Goretti’s mother asking for forgiveness. Saint Maria is called a martyr because she fought against Alessandro's attempts at sexual sin. However, the most important aspects of her story are how she forgave her attacker. In those moments where we need to forgive, we have a lot of saints to inspire us. Saint Maria Goretti is certainly one of them. Also, if we are struggling with purity and need some strength, Saint Maria Goretti is a good saint to turn to in prayer.
God bless and stay safe!
In Christ,
Fr. Steve Breck
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene
