Maria’s story is one that resonates with Catholics young and old. Probably because we wish we could be as faithful as she was! Maria’s early life wasn't all that different than the normal life of most rural Iowans in the early 1900's. Maria’s parents and older siblings farmed, while she stayed at home and cared for the younger children. Life was not easy, but the simple life brought many joys. But her joyful and carefree life was interrupted by hardship when Maria’s father died when she was only nine years old.
Out of necessity life changed quickly. Maria’s mother moved the family in with a family friend and his 20 year old son, Alessandro. Maria’s second great hardship came when older Alessandro began to show interest in Maria. But each of Alessandro’s advances was quickly rejected by Maria, who had a deep desire to live a pure and chaste life. But Maria’s rejections only seemed to fuel Alessandro’s desires. So Maria did all she could to never be alone with her older admirer.
One day, when Maria’s mother and older siblings were working in the fields, Alessandro approached the twelve year old Maria as she completed her daily chores around the house. This time Alessandro didn’t stop when Maria objected to his advances, rather, this rejection quickly turned into a deep and dark rage within the young man. As Maria fought off his advances, Alessandro let his rage show. He drew his knife and stabbed helpless Maria 14 times, leaving her for dead.
Maria's third great hardship came as she suffered from her wounds for the next 24 hours. But as great saints so often do, Maria did not allow her hardships to dictate her life. During her suffering Maria received the Body of Christ and forgave her murderer. Maria died that day in the presence of her mother and siblings.
Ultimately, Alessandro was found guilty of murdering Maria and spent the next 30 years of his life behind bars. In prison, Alessandro came to see the faults in the way he was living his life. He had a dream, in which, Maria appeared to him, showering him with lilies (a symbol of purity). After his release from prison, Alessandro went immediately to Maria’s mother and begged for her forgiveness.
Maria was canonized a Saint in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Both Maria’s mother and Alessandro were in attendance at the ceremony.
For the first time ever Maria's major relics were publicly venerated here in the United States as her incorruptible body traveled from New Jersey to St. Louis during 2015. They called this event the Pilgrimage of Mercy! You can read more about this great saint here: http://mariagoretti.com/
As we reflect on our Christian call to Bear Wrongs Patiently, may we each find strength in Maria’s response to her hardships and suffering. May we all be Saints of Mercy like Maria!
Saint Maria Goretti…Pray for Us!
Guest Blogger: Joe Tallman
Middle School Religion
Saint Pius X School
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