About Saint Maria Goretti
Maria Goretti grew up in a poor Italian farming family and helped care for her younger siblings. In 1902, at age eleven, she was fatally attacked while resisting sexual violence. Before dying, she forgave Alessandro Serenelli, her attacker, who later repented. Her witness honors courage, mercy, and every person’s inviolable dignity.
Prayer
Pray with Saint Maria Goretti
God of mercy and justice, through Saint Maria Goretti’s intercession, protect every vulnerable child and heal survivors of violence. Give us courage to defend human dignity, reject coercion, and seek conversion without excusing harm. Amen.
