Maria Teresa Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, a small town in eastern Italy. She was the third of six children born to Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini, both of whom were farmers. When Maria was just six years old, her family moved to Nettuno, a town on the western coast of Italy.
Tragically, Maria's father passed away from malaria before her tenth birthday, leaving her mother to care for the large family on her own. Despite the hardships they faced, the Goretti family remained close-knit and worked together to support one another.
Before her untimely death at the age of eleven, Maria shared a home with the family of her future killer, Alessandro Serenelli. The two families lived in a house known as "La Cascina Antica," where Maria grew up alongside Alessandro and his siblings.
Despite the challenges she faced, Maria was known for her piety and devotion to her faith. She attended Mass regularly and was a regular visitor to the local church. Her kindness and compassion towards others earned her the admiration of those around her.
On July 5, 1902, Maria's life was tragically cut short when Alessandro attempted to assault her in their shared home. Despite only being eleven years old, Maria bravely resisted Alessandro's advances, refusing to give in to his sinful desires.
In a fit of rage, Alessandro stabbed Maria multiple times, leaving her gravely wounded. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries the following day. Maria's death was a shock to her family and the community, who mourned the loss of such a young and virtuous girl.
Following Maria's death, Alessandro was arrested and sentenced to prison for the murder. While in prison, he experienced a spiritual awakening and eventually repented for his actions. After serving his sentence, Alessandro devoted his life to God and entered a monastery, seeking forgiveness for his sins.
Nearly five decades after her death, Maria Goretti was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. She is revered as a symbol of purity and virtue, and her story continues to inspire believers around the world.
Despite the tragic circumstances of her death, Maria Goretti's legacy lives on as a symbol of faith, courage, and forgiveness. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of love and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.