St Maria Goretti

Patron Saint of purity, young women, victims of assault, forgiveness, mercy, youth.

Feast Day: July 6th

Martyr and Layperson

Corinaldo, Italy

Public Domain: Maria Goretti via Wikimedia Commons.

Feast Day: July 6th

Martyr and Layperson

Corinaldo, Italy

About

Saint Maria Goretti (1890–1902) was a young Italian girl known for her extraordinary purity, courage, and forgiveness. Born into a poor farming family in Corinaldo, Italy, Maria’s father died when she was just nine years old, leaving her mother to raise six children in hardship. Despite poverty, Maria was devout, prayerful, and deeply dedicated to her family. At the age of 11, she was attacked by a neighbor, Alessandro Serenelli, who attempted to assault her. She resisted, declaring it a sin against God and herself. In his anger, Alessandro stabbed her multiple times. Maria forgave him on her deathbed, saying, “I forgive Alessandro Serenelli… and I want him with me in heaven.” Her forgiveness later led Alessandro to repentance and conversion after a vision of Maria in prison.

Legacy

Saint Maria Goretti is remembered as one of the youngest canonized saints of the Catholic Church, canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 before a massive crowd in St. Peter’s Square. Her legacy inspires millions, especially young people, to live lives of chastity, forgiveness, and holiness even in the face of violence. Her shrine is in Nettuno, Italy, where pilgrims continue to honor her courage and faith.

“I forgive Alessandro Serenelli… and I want him with me in heaven.” — Saint Maria Goretti