Maria Goretti
1890-1902 19th century Feast day: July 6
Purity defended to the end, forgiveness stronger than violence.
Who was Maria Goretti?
The daughter of farm labourers of the Pontine marshes, the eldest child who became her widowed mother's support. At eleven she was stabbed to death by a young neighbour whom she resisted; before dying, she forgave him. Years later her repentant murderer would bear witness to that forgiveness.
In their own words
No, it is a sin; God does not want this.
Yes, for the love of Jesus I forgive him; and I want him one day to be with me in paradise.