Maria Goretti was an Italian girl and Catholic martyr who lived from 1890 to 1902. Born into a farming family in Corinaldo, she lived in poverty and assisted with household chores after her father's death. While staying at a shared farmhouse near Nettuno, she was attacked by Alessandro Serenelli, the son of the family they lived with. Following her refusal to submit to his sexual advances, he stabbed her multiple times. She died shortly after, having expressed her forgiveness for her attacker, an act that led to her being recognized as a saint.
Life and death
Growing up in a poor agricultural household, Maria managed domestic duties for her mother and siblings. In July 1902, Alessandro Serenelli attacked her with an awl after she resisted his attempts to rape her. Despite sustaining severe wounds, she remained conscious in the hospital, where she spoke to a pharmacist and expressed concern for her family. She passed away the following day, having declared her desire to forgive Alessandro so they could both be in heaven together.
Veneration and legacy
The attacker later repented, eventually becoming a Capuchin lay brother. After being released from prison, he sought and received forgiveness from Maria's mother. The Catholic Church beatified her in 1947 and canonized her in 1950, making her one of the youngest saints. She is particularly honored by the Passionist order, and her feast day is observed on 6 July.