St. Maria Goretti: Model of Purity

On Oct. 16 1890, Maria Teresa Goretti was born to Luigi and Assunta in Corinaldo, Italy. Four children were born into this poor farm family. Seeking to overcome dire poverty, the family moved to Pontine Marshes where Luigi found work as a tenant farmer. At the time, this area of Italy was a virtual swamp infested with disease-carrying mosquitoes. Yet not even the horrible conditions of the family’s new living conditions could take away the cheerful countenance of the beautiful eight-year-old Maria.

Maria was a delightful, obedient child, always ready to help in whatever way she could. In her home, Maria had learned to pray and to love God, lessons she took to heart. All who knew the child recognized the goodness within Maria and she was loved by family and friends.

Laboring in the unhealthy fields took its tool on the hard-working Luigi and he died when Maria was ten years old. To support the family, Assunta took her husband’s place working in the fields, leaving young Maria to care for the home and the younger children. Maria responded to her new duties with diligence and care, all the while remaining cheerful. Her first thought always was to serve and care for the other members of her family.

Only one thing disturbed Maria. As the family could not afford new clothes, Assunta told Maria that she would have to wait for some time before receiving her First Communion. Confident that the Lord would provide, Maria arranged to receive lessons in the Faith, without neglecting her duties at home.

And so it was that on May 29, 1902, wearing gifts from her poor family and neighbors, Maria joyfully received her First Holy Communion. The priest’s directive to those receiving the Eucharist for the first time " Purity at all cost " was a message Maria took to heart. It was a message that would all too soon be tested.

When the Goretti family moved to Pontine Marshes, they were joined by Luigi’s partner, Signor Serenelli and his son Alessandro. Both families lived in the same house. In June of 1902 Alessandro was almost 20. Twice during that month Alessandro made advances to Maria. When Maria refused him, he threatened to kill her if she said anything. Maria remained silent, not wanting to cause any difficulty for her mother and family. She made a point not to be alone with Alessandro.

On Saturday, July 5, 1902, Maria’s mother was working out in the fields. Alessandro’s father was asleep and Maria was mending while watching her baby sister. Alessandro came into the house and tried to seduce Maria. She tried to fend him off, telling him, "God does not want it. It is a sin. You will go to hell". Enraged, Alessandro picked up a knife and stabbed her at least 14 times.

Maria was taken to the hospital and died after great suffering 20 hours later. Before dying, the saintly girl forgave her vicious attacker. Alessandro was taken to jail. At his trial he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

For many years, Alessandro showed no remorse for his terrible deed. After being in prison of eight years, Alessandro saw Maria in a dream. She was holding white lilies out to him. After this vision, Alessandro experienced a conversion and begged forgiveness from the bishop for the awful sin he had committed.

In 1947, Pope Pius XII beatified Maria. Alessndro had already given testimony in 1929 that even during the attack Maria had been concerned for his soul. (After Alessandro was released from prison he went on to live a decent life as a laborer). At that time, Pope Pius X related that Maria was an example of true devotion to the Faith and an inspiration to all youth.

Many had already begun to pray for the intercession of Maria and it was not difficult to verify the miracles needed for her canonization. Her mother and her attacker were both present at the Vatican on June 25, 1950, when Maria Goretti was declared a saint. For the year 2000 we are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of her canonization. The Church celebrates her feast day on July 6. The virgin-martyr is called a model of purity.

Current consideration is being made to have the Church of St. Maria Goretti in Laflin, Penna., elevated to the status of a shrine.