María Goretti

She was a poor young girl; her father had died and she was the eldest of many siblings. She was only fourteen when she died. At first sight, she was not anything extraordinary or deserving of fame. And yet, Maria Goretti is remembered because she died because she refused to give herself to a young man, a neighbor who was furious by her refusal and killed her. Before she died, she had time to forgive her aggressor. Later on, while in prison, he experienced a conversion.

Your turn:

  • Do you forgive aggressions against you?
  • Is your physical and moral integrity very important to you?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, sometimes I find it very hard to forgive simple hurts and offenses. Give me the generosity of heart of Maria Goretti who was able to forgive her aggressor. May my actions of true forgiveness lead others to you. Amen.