Feast Day: July 6
Patron of: Youth, purity, victims of rape, forgiveness
What is St. Maria Goretti known for?
St. Maria Goretti (1890–1902) was born into a poor farming family in Corinaldo, Italy. After her father’s death, she moved with her mother and siblings to live with a family friend. At just eleven years old, Maria defended her purity when attacked; she forgave her assailant on her deathbed, asking God to welcome him into Paradise. Her merciful spirit and steadfast faith moved many—including her attacker, who later converted and became a priest. Maria was canonized in 1950 and remains a beacon of chastity, courage, and forgiveness.
Prayer:
O God, who crowned St. Maria Goretti with the glory of forgiveness, grant us the grace to defend our purity, to forgive our enemies, and to trust in Your merciful love. Through her intercession, may we grow in chastity of heart and strength of spirit. Amen.
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