Model of Purity: St. Maria Goretti

A young Italian girl was killed on July 6, 1902, three months shy of her twelfth birthday. Her assailant, a 20-year old man who was her neighbor frequently harrassed her with sexual advances. After she rebuffed him each time, he finally released his evil deed and stabbed her fourteen times. She forgave him and prayed for him during 20 hours of suffering. She died from her mortal wounds.

According to historical accounts, it is said that "Even as she struggled with her attacker, she was to repeat, 'Alessandro...I forgive you.' When the priest at her deathbed inquired, 'Maria, Jesus died while forgiving the penitent thief at his side; do you forgive with all your heart your attacker and murderer?' she answered, 'Yes! Yes! For the love of Jesus, I forgive him, and I want him to be with me in Heaven."

Why does this sound familiar? It is because, the evil of perversion, of sexual violence is very much a reality until now. It is because Maria's murderer was led to unleash a crime of passion influenced by bad print and mass media which draws a parallel to the influence of today's print and mass media.

Our print and mass media today uncovers human sexuality to no limit (no pun intended). It is no wonder that the temptation to sexual sins become more and more difficult to resist. We hear of some daily account of young people being abducted and abused and unfortunately it has become too often a disturbing reality in today's world.

Yet, what makes Maria Goretti's story so heroic? She was a simple peasant girl, living an ordinary life. Yet, at eleven, she already demonstrated a lively faith and wisdom beyond her young age. Perhaps this was attributed to the way she was brought up in the faith and how she was fortified by the teachings of the Church. Her life was centered on God and when she was threatened by the evil of her time, she was ready to shed her blood for love of God.

Ought not our children be brought up the same way? St. Maria Goretti, the Patroness of Modern Youth is a model not only to the youth but to all of us who love God and hate sin!


Prayer Before a Dance or Party

Dear Saint Maria Goretti!

The world teaches that we must please others in order to be popular. Conscience demands that I please God more than one who asks an evil thing in the name of false love. Teach me by your example to instill into others a real respect for modesty and purity. Through your powerful intercession, help me to make of this evening an occasion for helping others to become spiritually stronger. Grant that others may see in me reason to change their ways, if that be necessary, and that I may have the courage to resist any temptation to sinful conduct. Let others be led closer to Jesus and Mary by my example.

Oh Little Saint who wanted to be popular only with your Divine Master and His Blessed Mother, help me to imitate you. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.

St. Maria Goretti, pray for us!


Prayer Before a Date

Dear Little Saint Maria Goretti!

Teach me that God must be my first love and that all other love is based on Him and Him alone. Obtain for me the grace to cease toying with the occasions of sin and to remember that my body and the bodies of all in grace are temples of the Holy Spirit, destined someday for a glorious resurrection.

Through your beautiful example, teach me the value and dignity of Christian modesty. Grant that I may never be the occasion of dragging others into Hell, by suggestive words or evil deeds of any kind. Through the merits of your Martyrdom, obtain for me the grace to turn aside from sin, no matter what the cost, so that one day I may enjoy Heaven with you and all the other saints. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.

St. Maria Goretti, pray for us!

Source: St. Maria Goretti