St. Maria Goretti

Maria was born in 1890 in Italy to Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini. Maria was one of seven children. Her family became so poor they had to give up their farm and work for other farmers. Eventually they moved into a building with another family, The Serenellis.

On July 5, 1902, she was approached by Alessandro Serenelli, her 20 year old neighbor. Knowing she would be alone, Alessandro attempted to rape Maria. When she refused to submit to him, he choked her and stabbed her 14 times.

Maria was found by her mother and taken to the hospital where  she underwent surgery (without anesthesia!) but her injuries were too severe. 24 hours after her attack, Maria died, having expressed forgiveness for Alessandro and stating she wanted him in Heaven with her.

Maria is the patron of rape victims, modern youth, crime victims and teenage girls.