La Biografia
Biography
Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy, to Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini, humble farmers. She didn’t go to school due to her family’s poverty; instead, she managed the household and cared for her siblings.
Maria is celebrated for her steadfast devotion to her faith and purity. In 1902, at just 11 years old, she was tragically attacked by Alessandro Serenelli, a 20-year-old neighbor who attempted to rape her. Maria fiercely resisted, stating she would rather die than submit to him. In anger, Alessandro stabbed her 14 times.
On her deathbed the next day, Maria forgave Alessandro, demonstrating an extraordinary act of mercy and forgiveness. Her last words on her deathbed were, “I forgive Alessandro Serenelli… and I want him with me in heaven forever.”
Alessandro Serenelli, her murderer, attended her beatification in 1947, exemplifying the power of redemption and forgiveness.
Maria Goretti’s feast day is July 6th, marking the day of her death, and she is venerated worldwide. Her remains are housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Goretti in Nettuno, Italy, where thousands of pilgrims visit each year.
In art, she is often depicted as a young girl in farm clothes, a reminder of her humble background, holding lilies, symbolizing her purity and martyrdom. Notably, “Maria Goretti – The Patroness of Modern Youth” by Charles Bosseron Chambers, is one of the most iconic paintings of her.
Maria Goretti’s story continues to inspire the faithful, representing unwavering faith, purity, and the power of forgiveness, especially resonating with young people and victims of physical violence. Her legacy is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit.
Maria Goretti did not enter religious orders but is a renowned figure in Catholicism due to her martyrdom. After her death, miracles were reported at her gravesite, including the conversion and repentance of Alessandro, who later became a lay brother.
Pope Pius XII canonized her in 1950. Maria Goretti’s canonization was noteworthy as it was the first time a parent, her mother Assunta, witnessed their child’s canonization.
She is the patron saint of youth, young women, purity, and victims of rape. She is depicted in religious art as a young peasant girl, often with lilies (a symbol of purity), a palm branch (martyrdom), or a knife. One prominent statue of her is located in the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie e Santa Maria Goretti in Italy.
(Text generated by ChatGPT4, June 2023. Edited for style and content by R.H. Ruggles)
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