Saint Goretti was born in 1890 in Italy. She was the daughter of a poor family, and they struggled to make ends meet. Goretti's father worked as a farm laborer, and her mother took care of the home and children.
When Goretti was just six years old, her father died of malaria. Her mother was left to raise the children alone, and they struggled even more. Despite their hardships, Goretti was a happy and kind child. She loved Jesus and the Blessed Mother, and she prayed every day.
One day, a young man named Alessandro attacked Goretti while she was doing her chores. He tried to force her to do something she knew was wrong, but she refused. He then stabbed her several times, and she died the next day.
Before Goretti died, she forgave Alessandro and prayed for his soul. After he was caught and sent to jail, Alessandro had a dream in which Goretti appeared to him. She told him that she forgave him and wanted him to repent. Alessandro was deeply moved by this and became a devout Catholic.
St. Goretti's Prayer
O Saint Maria Goretti, patron saint of purity, we ask for your intercession. Help us to resist temptation and remain pure in body and soul. We ask for your protection against those who seek to harm us, and for the courage to forgive those who have wronged us. May your example of forgiveness and mercy inspire us to be more like Jesus. Amen.
Commemorative Day
The feast day of Saint Maria Goretti is celebrated on July 6th. This day is a time to reflect on her life and teachings, and to ask for her intercession. It is also a day to pray for the victims of violence and for the conversion of those who commit evil acts. Let us honor Saint Maria Goretti by striving to live lives of purity, forgiveness, and mercy.
