Maria Saint
Maria Teresa Goretti (Italian: [maˈriːa teˈrɛːza ɡoˈretti]; 16 October 1890 – 6 July 1902) was an Italian virgin martyr of the Catholic Church, and one of the youngest saints to be canonized. [1] June 24, 1950: Maria is declared a saint by Pope Pius XII in St. Peter’s Square. Having died at the age of 11, she is the youngest canonized saint in the Catholic Church’s long and storied history. Saint Maria is called a martyr because she fought against Alessandro's attempts at sexual sin; however, the most important aspects of her story are how she forgave her attacker - her concern for her enemy extending even beyond death - and the miracle her forgiveness produced in his life. Saint Maria Goretti’s Story. One of the largest crowds ever assembled for a canonization—250,000—symbolized the reaction of millions touched by the simple story of Maria Goretti. She was the daughter of a poor Italian tenant farmer, had no chance to go to school, never learned to read or write. Saint Maria Goretti’s short life and tragic death present us with so much more than a tragedy. They present us with hope—hope that even the most hardened sinner can repent and be saved. So often our world reacts with outrage toward sin, rather than mercy.
Saint Maria Goretti is an exceptional figure in Catholicism, symbolizing purity, forgiveness, and the strength of faith in the face of utmost adversity. She is often referred to as a "martyr of purity." Patron Saint of Abused Children and Rape Victims Maria Goretti was born a poor peasant child in Italy in 1890, the third of six children. When she was nine, her family's situation grew even worse, when her father died of malaria. St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of youth, chastity, and forgiveness. She is often depicted holding lilies, a symbol of purity. Her story reminds us to hold fast to our faith, even in the worst of circumstances. St. Maria Goretti died for love of God and hatred of evil. She lived an ordinary life, yet her faith and love for God were extraordinary. Maria was declared a martyr and, in her mother’s presence, Venerable Pope Pius XII canonized Maria in 1950.
The Saints' Secret to Attaining Holiness? Devotion to Mary
