The story of Maria Goretti leaves a deep impression in the hearts of those who hear it. We are all astonished at the fortitude of the 11-year-old saint who accepted death rather than give in to sin.
We all wonder: how did such a young girl master this difficult virtue?
The answer lies in Maria’s deep spiritual life, a life which was nurtured—rather than crushed—by the extreme poverty and deprivation of her earthly life.
Maria was nine years old when her father died. This forced Signora Goretti to work, so Maria took over the upbringing of her five younger siblings, her family’s household chores, and the chores of the Serenellis, with whom the Gorettis lived.
With all this work for the child to accomplish daily, one might think that Maria wouldn’t have had time for anything else. Maria, however, found time every day for silence and prayer.
She had been confirmed at age six and her greatest desire was to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist (a desire fulfilled the year before her death). She walked to Mass every Sunday, although the church was far away. She prayed the Rosary for her father’s repose every night.
Through her deep prayer life and profound love for Our Lord, Maria quickly acquired the heroic virtues which marked her final agony and death.
Want to learn more about—and from—this beautiful saint? The classic biography In Garments All Red tells the moving story of Maria’s life, death, and canonization. In this book, you’ll find out why Maria Goretti inspires so many people of all ages and why she is a powerful saint for our day. Get your copy today from The Catholic Company!
