Considering she was only 11 years old when she died, much can be said about St. Maria Goretti.

We can start with her love of Jesus. She grew up prioritizing God in her life, thanks to the faith foundation laid by her parents. She was illiterate, which meant as a 10-year-old after she walked several miles to her teacher, she had to memorize her Catechism lessons to prepare to receive her First Holy Communion.

Next, we could look at her love of and care for her family. Her father died from malaria when she was only 9, leaving behind a widow with six children. Maria took over as homemaker and caretaker for her siblings, allowing her mother to go to work.

Or we could look at her heroic model of forgiveness which ultimately led to her canonization and earned her the title, “Little Saint of Mercy.” She followed Jesus’ example on her deathbed by forgiving her attacker, Alessandro Serenelli, and expressed her desire that he be with her in heaven. 

Eight years after she was murdered, Maria appeared to Serenelli in a dream, handing him 14 white lilies – one for each time he stabbed her – as a symbol of forgiveness. This dream came at a crucial time for him; he had hit rock-bottom when Maria's forgiving dream showed him God’s love. This witness to the power of forgiveness and God’s mercy is so strongly tied to Maria that she is often referenced to a quote by St. Peter Julian Eymard who said, “Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep him waiting one instant.”

Serenelli went on to repent and convert, eventually attending Maria’s canonization in 1950.

Which statement do we need to learn from our merciful, courageous patroness: “Always put God first;” “Serve with love;” or “Be merciful and forgive?”

Ask for Maria’s help. She’ll do all she can to get us to heaven, just like she did for Alessandro Serenelli.