Novena to St. Maria Goretti

Life of Maria Goretti

Maria Goretti (1890–1902) is one of the youngest canonized saints in the Roman Catholic Church and is especially known for her courage, purity, and forgiveness toward the man who killed her.

Early Life

Born: October 16, 1890

Place: Corinaldo

Parents: Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini, a poor farming family.

Maria grew up in poverty but in a deeply religious household. The family later moved to Nettuno to work as sharecroppers. After her father died of malaria when Maria was only nine, she helped her mother care for her younger siblings and manage household work.

Despite her young age, Maria was known for strong faith, kindness, responsibility, devotion to prayer and the sacraments

The Attack and Martyrdom

On July 5, 1902, when Maria was 11 years old, a young man named Alessandro Serenelli attempted to sexually assault her.

Maria firmly resisted and said she would rather die than commit a sin against God. Enraged, Alessandro stabbed her 14 times.

She was taken to a hospital in Nettuno, where she underwent surgery without anaesthesia.

Before dying on July 6, 1902, she forgave Alessandro, saying she wanted him to be with her in Heaven.

Conversion of Her Attacker

Years later, while in prison, Alessandro reportedly had a dream in which Maria gave him 14 white lilies, symbolizing forgiveness. This led to his deep repentance.

After being released from prison, he became a lay brother, lived a life of prayer and penance. He later publicly asked forgiveness from Maria’s mother, who forgave him.

Canonization

Maria Goretti was canonized on June 24, 1950, by Pope Pius XII in St. Peter's Square.

Her canonization was historic because: her mother was present at the ceremony. It drew one of the largest crowds ever for a canonization at that time.

Patronage

St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of youth, purity, victims of sexual assault, forgiveness, young women

Her body is preserved at the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace and St. Maria Goretti, where many pilgrims visit every year.

Her feast day in the Catholic Church is July 6.

Key Message of Her Life

Maria Goretti’s life is remembered for three virtues: Purity, Courage, Forgiveness

Her forgiveness of her attacker has become one of the most powerful examples of Christian mercy.

Novena to St. Maria Goretti

Opening Prayer (Pray Every Day)

O Saint Maria Goretti,
beautiful model of purity and courage, you loved Jesus Christ with all your heart and defended your virtue even unto death.

You forgave your attacker and prayed that he would one day be in Heaven with you. Through your powerful intercession before God, obtain for me the grace I now ask for:

(Mention your intention)

Help me to imitate your love for God, your purity of heart, your strength in temptation, and your spirit of forgiveness.

Amen.

Day 1 – Love of God

Saint Maria Goretti, you loved God above everything and chose to remain faithful to Him even when it cost you your life.

Pray that I may grow in deep love for God and always choose what is right.

Prayer:
O Saint Maria Goretti, teach me to love God with my whole heart and to place Him above all earthly desires.