Who is Maria Goretti? Life and prayer directly from Neptune

Corinaldo, October 16, 1890 - Neptune, July 6, 1902

Born in Corinaldo (Ancona) on October 16, 1890, daughter of the peasants Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini, Maria was the second of six children. The Goretti family soon moved to the Agro Pontino area. In 1900 her father died, her mother had to start work and left Maria to take care of the house and her brothers. At eleven years of age Maria made First Communion and matured her purpose of dying before committing sins. Alessandro Serenelli, an 18-year-old young man, fell in love with Maria. On July 5, 1902, he attacked her and attempted to rape her. In his resistance he killed her by stabbing her. Maria died after an operation, the following day, and before expiring she forgave Serenelli. The killer was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He repented and converted only after dreaming of Mary who told him he would reach Heaven. When he was released after 27 years, he asked Maria's mother for forgiveness. Maria Goretti was proclaimed a saint in 1950 by Pius XII. (Avvenire)

PRAYERS TO SANTA MARIA GORETTI

O little Maria Goretti who sacrificed your life to keep your virginity unbound and who, dying, forgave your killer by promising to pray for him from Heaven, help us to overcome ourselves in the difficult journey of this world so deeply upset by the most violent passions. Get us the grace of the purity of the customs and that of a great love for our brothers. You, who came out of a humble peasant family, for your heroic victory over evil and glorious martyrdom, flew to Heaven with the halo of holiness, obtain for us peace, faith, fruitful work in a new atmosphere of charity, obtaining for us from the Lord all the graces necessary for our spiritual and material good, for our earthly and eternal life. In particular, get us the grace that is very important to us right now.

(Express)

Amen.

Hello, sweet and lovable saint! Martyr on earth and Angel in heaven! From your glory you turn your gaze on this people who love you, who venerates you, who glorifies you, who exalts you. On your forehead you bear the victorious name of Christ clear and radiant; on your virginal face is the strength of love, the constancy of fidelity to the divine bridegroom; you are a bride of blood, to portray the image of Him in you. To you, powerful with the lamb of God, we entrust these our sons and daughters. They admire your heroism, but also want to be your imitators in the fervor of faith and in the incorruptible illibidity of customs. Fathers and mothers turn to you so that you can assist them in their educational mission. In you our childhood finds refuge for our hands, and all youth, so that it can be protected from all contamination and can walk the path of life in the serenity and joy of the pure in heart. So be it.

(Pope Pius XII)

Child of God, you who soon knew the hardship and fatigue, pain and short joys of life; you who were poor and orphaned, you who loved your neighbor by making yourself a humble and caring servant; you who were good and loved Jesus above all else; you who shed your blood so as not to betray the Lord; you who have forgiven your murderer, intercede and pray for us, so that we say yes to God's plan for us. We thank you, Marietta, for the love for God and for the brothers you have sown in our hearts. Amen.

(Pope John Paul II)

O white lily of the fields, Maria Goretti, who bravely suffered martyrdom to defend your candor, may your example - with God's help - be a spur to us in the observance, even heroic, of the divine commandments. Spread your protection on all girls, but especially on those who are in greatest danger. Radiate in all hearts that love to the beautiful virtue which made you prefer death to sin, and open them to the piety which inspired you to generous forgiveness. Help us to be victorious in the trials of life, so that faithful to Christian duties on earth, we may deserve the eternal reward in Heaven. So be it.