(1890 – 1902)
Ordinary Time: July 6th
St. Maria Goretti was born of a poor family in Corinaldi, Italy, in
1890. Near Nettuno, she spent a difficult childhood assisting her
mother in domestic duties. She was of a pious nature and often at
prayer. In 1902, she was stabbed to death, preferring to die rather
than be raped. (Office of Readings)
"It is well known how this young girl had to face a bitter struggle
with no way to defend herself. Without warning, a vicious stranger
(actually Alessandro Serenelli who lived with his father in the same
house as the Gorettis.) burst upon her, bent on raping her and
destroying her childlike purity. In that moment of crisis, she could
have spoken to her Redeemer in the words of that classic, The
Imitation of Christ: "Though tested and plagued by a host of
misfortunes, I have no fear so long as your grace is with me. It is
my strength, stronger than any adversary; it helps me and gives me
guidance." With splendid courage she surrendered herself to God and
his grace, and so gave her life to protect her virginity.
"The life of this simple girl—I shall concern myself only with
highlights—we can see as worthy of heaven. Even today people can
look upon it with admiration and respect. Parents can learn from her
story how to raise their God-given children in virtue, courage and
holiness; they can learn to train them in the Catholic faith so
that, when put to the test, God's grace will support them, and they
will come through undefeated, unscathed and untarnished.
"From Maria's story, carefree children and young people with their
zest for life can learn not to be led astray by attractive
pleasures, which are not only ephemeral and empty, but also sinful.
Instead, they can fix their sights on achieving Christian moral
perfection, however difficult and hazardous that course may prove.
With determination and God's help, all of us can attain that goal by
persistent effort and prayer.
"Not all of us are expected to die a martyr's death, but we are all
called to the pursuit of Christian virtue. This demands strength of
character, though it may not match that of this innocent girl.
Still, a constant, persistent and relentless effort is asked of us
right up to the moment of our death. This may be conceived as a slow
steady martyrdom, which Christ urged upon us when he said: The
kingdom of heaven is set upon and laid waste by violent forces.
"So let us all, with God's grace, strive to reach the goal that the
example of the virgin martyr, Saint Maria Goretti, sets before us.
Through her prayers to the Redeemer, may all of us, each in his own
way, joyfully try to follow the inspiring example of Maria Goretti,
who now enjoys eternal happiness in heaven."
Excerpted from a homily at the canonization of Saint Maria Goretti
by Pope Pius XII