Memorial of St. Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr

I have to give some honor today to my patron, who's feast day falls on the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time this year. Maria Goretti was only 12 years old when she died for her purity and faith, making her one of the youngest saints of the modern era.

Her family worked very closely with their neighbors, the Serenellis. Their teenaged son, Alessandro, was captivated by Maria in more ways than one, and after several failed attempts, got Maria alone in her house. He told her to undress, and she refused, saying it would be a terrible sin. He became aggressive, but she consistently denied him, wanting to protect his purity. Finally, Alessandro turned to violence, stabbing Maria 14 times before leaving her for dead.

While she lived for several days in the hospital, Maria would eventually succumb to her wounds. One of the last things she said was that she had forgiven Alessandro for what he did to her, and that she wanted him in heaven with her someday. She passed away on July 6th, 1902.

Several years later, while serving his 30-year prison sentence, Alessandro had a dream in which Maria presented him with 14 white lilies. He was converted by the experience, and after being released from prison, he asked for her mother Assunta's forgiveness. Saying that her daughter did no less, the pair received Communion together the next day. They were also side by side at her canonization in 1950. Serenelli would go on to become a laybrother of the Capuchins.

Today, St. Maria is honored as the patron of young women, and of chastity. I've been very grateful for her being in my life, especially through my teens. :)

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 , and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.