St. María Goretti, a child martyred for defending her virginity
The following excerpt is from
RomeReports.com:
At only eleven years old, María Goretti became a martyr for defending
her virginity. She was murdered by her neighbor Alessandro Serenelli.
She died on July 6, 1902 after being stabbed fourteen times. On her
deathbed she received the sacraments and forgave her murderer while
comforting her mother who was at her bedside.
Alessandro
Serenelli was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He once saw María Goretti
in a dream. He then decided to write a letter apologizing for his
actions. He also asked for forgiveness from God and Maria's family.
After
his release from prison he converted to Catholicism, he worked as a
gardener in a monastery and joined the Franciscan Third Order.
María Goretti was canonized by Pope Pius XII on June 24, 1950.
She
had a short life, it was one of a normal girl with a great faith and
love for others. She became an extraordinary girl who accepted martyrdom
in order to preserve herself.
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