My recent pilgrimage to Rome and Medjugorje was filled with many trials and graces. Our band of 36, experienced long flight delays, luggage loss, nearly 24-hour flight delay, extreme heat and money loss. However, I am sure it was just part of Our Lady’s plan to make good of our hardship, sacrifices and prayers.
Our sacrifices seemed small in comparison to the ones made by a young girl in 1902. We took a bus ride to Nettuno, 40 miles south of Rome. We visited the chapel built over the site of St. Maria Goretti’s martyrdom. I have often prayed to her for my children’s purity. It was a joyful, but bittersweet experience. Bitter because of the way in which this 11-year-old child died.
Maria was born October 16, 1890, the third child of Luigi and Assunta Goretti. In 1900 Luigi died of malaria. The Goretti family was very poor, but later traveled to Nettuno in search of work. They moved in with the Serenelli family to work the fields of a Count.
Presently, one can view their humble home: a modest concrete dwelling which housed the two families. Inside is a room with photos of the Goretti family and film photos of a movie made of St. Maria Goretti. A chapel designates the exact site of St. Maria Goretti’s death. It is marked by a small lot with a bronze figure of a young girl reaching out in agony. It really is a very simple site, but while there I could not help but marvel at the young girl’s bravery as she screamed to Alessandro, “No! It is a sin! God does not want it! You will go to hell!” (http://www.mariagoretti.org/mariabio.htm)
Maria used to rise early to pray, cook, take care of the fields. The Serenelli family allowed their 18-year-old son, Alessandro, to run the home. According to one website, Alessandro and his father were prone to many vices such as drinking and pornography, (thecatholictravelguide.com).
On July 5, 1902 Alessandro tried to seduce young Maria in the home while her family was working in the fields. After she repeatedly refused him, he took an awl, similar to a knife, and stabbed her 14 times. She died about 20 hours later on July 6 after identifying and then forgiving Alessandro for his attempted actions. He was sentenced to 30 years in jail.
Serenelli was unrepentant until he had a dream that Maria appeared to him surrounded by lilies. She offered him the flowers which turned into flames of light. He then knew she had forgiven him. After his sentence, he became a lay brother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (www.catholic.org).
Maria Goretti was canonized in 1950 with her family and Alessandro present: a sad but fantastic story of heroism and forgiveness.
St. Maria Goretti is certainly needed today. As certain fashions, speech, and entertainment have become offensive to Our Lord. She is now the patron of purity, teen age girls and rape victims. Her body is incorrupt and housed in the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Nettuno.
One pilgrim on the trip suggested schools begin St. Maria Goretti organizations for children to mimic her purity. I thought that was a fantastic idea. There are also St. Maria Goretti organizations that help young abuse victims. Mothers, fathers, consider telling your children the story of the young girl who gave her life to remain pure for God. It may inspire them and strengthen them in these times.
Copyright 2014, Mary Mitchell
Image source: Wikipedia
Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell, from Chicago, is a devout Catholic who likes to mix the divine truth with humor. She thinks it's the only way we can get through this life! Mary is the mother of three and has been married to her husband, Philip, more than 20 years. She has attempted to live the vows as a Secular Franciscan for about 20 years, but has a long way to go.
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