Beautiful Souls

Maria Goretti

"I forgive him. And I want him to be with me in Paradise someday."

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Maria Goretti's happiness in her childhood did not last long. Her father died when she was still petite; so she had to take on some household chores. However, she did so cheerfully and without complaint, including when she had to look after her younger siblings. Maria was also a lovely child and unforentually Alessandro, a teenage boy noticed this.

Alessandro looked at dirty images ( yall know what I am talking about) which distorted his mind. During this time he tried to make sexual advances towards Maria and each time she rebuffed him. Alessandro never got in trouble for both of these times because he threatens Maria that if she told anyone, he would kill her.

One day Maria was sitting at the top of the steps mending Alessandro's shirt, suddenly Alessandro forced her into a bedroom and attempted to rape her. She fought back crying "NO NO NO!DO NOT TOUCH ME ALESSANDRO! IT IS A SIN!" Rage engulfed Alessandro and he grabbed a knife and stabbed Maria not once, not twice but 14 times. Maria was rushed to the hospital where a priest asked if she could ever forgive Alessandro for what he did.

Her response?

"I forgive him. And I want him to be with me in Paradise someday."

She died three days later on July 6, 1902.

"O St. Maria Goretti, beautiful model of purity, you defended your virginity unto your death. Even at the age of 11, you held dear to your heart what is dear to our Lord's heart: your purity. Pray for me that I may do the same, especially when I am tempted. Please pray that God will give me the strength to avoid sin and say, "yes" to a life that will lead to eternity in Heaven with you and our Lord. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). Amen.''( you can find this prayer online at catholic websites)