12/07/2026
Last July 6 was the feast of St. Maria Goretti, a peasant little girl from Nettuno, Italy. Having had the opportunity to visit her tomb and some places related to her life in Nettuno, I must say that encounter brought a change of heart and perspective in ways I could not explain.
St. Maria Goretti was only 11 when she died as Alessandro, a farmer who lived with her family attempted to sexually assault her. She resisted with all her strength saying, “No! It’s a sin! God does not want it!”. Hence, was stabbed by Alessandro 14 times.
Her story isn’t just about martyrdom, but most importantly, a story about the transforming power of God’s mercy.
These are the 3 moments that deeply moved me.
1. When she was in the hospital fighting for her life after being stabbed, someone asked her she forgives Alessandro. Her response is unimaginable.
“Yes, for the love of Jesus I forgive him... and I want him to be with me in Paradise.”
2. Years later, while serving his prison sentence, Alessandro had a dream. Maria appeared before him carrying 14 lilies and gave it to him one by one. While the Catholic Church didn’t interpret this with the 14 stabs the saint had, many believers see the lilies as symbols of purity, forgiveness, and the grace that reached Alessandro’s heart which marked the beginning of his conversion.
3. After serving almost 30 years in prison, on a Christmas eve, Alessandro went to the mother of St. Maria Goretti, Assunta Goretti, kneeling, and asked for forgiveness, her response reflect the heart of the Saint.
“If my daughter has forgiven you, who am I to withhold my forgiveness?”
The next morning, on Christmas Day, they attended Mass together and received Holy Communion side by side.
Imagine that, the mother of the saint… and the man who killed her… kneeling before the same altar.
Alessandro spent the rest of his life doing penance. He became a lay brother in a Capuchin monastery, living quietly in prayer and humble service.
In 1950, he attended the canonization of St. Maria Goretti, publicly acknowledging that it was Maria’s forgiveness that led him back to God.
Maria might be poor. Maria might be small and young. But her purity and love for God led others to forgiveness, true repentance, and conversion.
Santa Maria Goretti, help us to love and forgive without limits, pray for us! 🙏🏼
