Dear Parishioners,
Today, we celebrate the Memorial of St. Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr. She was canonized in 1850 and the 21-year-old man that sexually attacked her when she was 11 years old attended her canonization. She had forgiven the man after the attack and he was so moved by her act of forgiveness that he prayed to her every day and sought forgiveness from her entire family. He would later become a lay brother.
This story of our saint today relays the power of “I forgive you.” In our scripture today we also hear: “Courage, daughter, your faith has saved you” from the mouth of Jesus as he brings healing and wholeness to the hemorrhaging woman. His same healing presence comes into our lives whenever we call upon his merciful love. Do you ever ask Jesus to bring healing and wholeness to your life?
Be assured of our prayers for you each day as we continue our journey together and apart.
Today is my father’s 44th Anniversary of death. Please keep his soul in your prayers.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
