Saint Maria Goretti

Saint Maria Goretti is a virgin martyr of the Catholic Church, and one of the youngest saints to be canonized. She was born to a farming family in Corinaldo, Italy, on October 16, 1890. When she was 9, her father died and the family moved to Nettuno, Italy.

In 1902, when Maria was 11 years old, she was attacked and stabbed to death by Alessandro Serenelli, a 20-year-old farmhand who lived in the same house as the Gorettis. Serenelli had tried to rape Maria, but she resisted and he stabbed her 14 times. Maria died the next day.

Maria's story quickly spread and she became known for her courage and her forgiveness of her attacker. Serenelli was eventually imprisoned, but he converted to Catholicism and asked for Maria's forgiveness. She appeared to him in a dream and told him that she forgave him. Serenelli was released from prison after 27 years and lived a life of penance and prayer.

Maria Goretti was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950. She is the patron saint of purity, chastity, and youth. Her feast day is July 6.

Print Type: Chromolithograph Highlighted w/Gold
Date: Circa 1940's
Dimensions: 10 x 8"
Condition Report: Very good

Subject References: Religious Saints Christian Christianity 197F