π Life Timeline
1890
Born in October 16, 1890 AD, Corinaldo, Italy
1890
Born Oct 16, 1890 in Corinaldo, Italy, to poor peasant parents
1950
sited Maria's tomb before his death
1950
Canonized β 1950 by Pope Pius XII
β Biography
Born Oct 16, 1890 in Corinaldo, Italy, to poor peasant parents. Moved to the Pontina Marshes near Rome, where her family worked as sharecroppers. Contracted tuberculosis at age 9. On Jul 5-6, 1902, 14-year-old Alessandro Serenelli, who had harbored obsessive feelings for her, attacked her with a dagger while she slept, stabbing her seven times. She begged him to stop so she could go to heaven. He demanded she submit to him; she refused, saying: 'I love God and I want to remain a virgin for Him. If you kill me, I will forgive you and go to heaven for you.' He delivered a final fatal stab. Dying, she told her mother: 'I forgive him; recommend me to him.' Alessandro was imprisoned, where Maria's mother visited him and told him of Maria's forgiveness. He was converted and spent his life in penance. Visited Maria's tomb before his death. Canonized in 1950 by Pius XII. Patron of abused children, victims of violence, and young people.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Chastity, rape victims, journalists, printers, sisters, and those seeking forgiveness.
π¬ Words of the Saint
I forgive you and pray to God for you.
π Key Facts
Born
October 16, 1890 AD, Corinaldo, Italy
Died
July 6, 1902 AD, Fiumicino, Italy (martyred)
Feast Day
Jul 6
Canonized
1950 by Pope Pius XII
π Legacy
Maria Goretti's forgiveness of her murderer is one of the most powerful acts of love in Christian history. Her story is taught in Italian schools. She is the patron of chastity and rape victims.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π Testimony
On Purity
I must not do anything against God's will. I forgive him, and I pray to God to forgive him too. I want to be a girl of God, pure and holy. I want to be like the flowers in the field, beautiful and innocent.
β St. Maria Goretti