Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/620610
Winter 2016 — www.ncsf.com 25 develop an impure liking for the young Maria. The big 20-year- old would say rude and crude things to her, things that were inappropriate and embarrassing, and that would cause her to run away. At a certain point he began to make direct sexual advances towards her, demanding her virginity and threatening her with violence for non-compliance. Finally, after many months of this, Alessandro attempted to force himself upon Maria. Though she prevented him from violating her, Alessandro brutally stabbed her 14 times. LiTTLE MARiA SuFFERS After her attack by Alessandro, Maria was transported to a hospital, where she suffered intense thirst from loss of blood and from the infection. However, she was told that she could not have any water, because drinking it would only intensify the infection caused by abdominal wounds. Maria offered her thirst in union with Christ crucified, who also said "I thirst"; then, she never again uttered another complaint about being thirsty. Because she was so weak, Maria endured surgery without the benefit of anesthesia – and without complaint – as the doctors tried to close each of the 14 wounds. Yet despite the attempts of the doctors, Maria died the next day due to the infection from her wounds. Her last words were, "I forgive Alessandro Serenelli – and I want him with me in heaven forever." She died July 6, 1902 at the age of eleven. MERCiFuL MARiA After little Maria's death, Alessandro Serenelli was sentenced to 30 years of hard labor for his crime. Unrepentant for six years, he had a dream one night about Maria Goretti, who handed him 14 white lilies – one lily for each wound he had inflicted. Alessandro understood this to be an indication of Maria's mercy and forgiveness. That act of love filled Alessandro with contrition for his crime. It was a turning point for him, and he sent for a priest in order to confess his sin and guilt. From that point on, Serenelli was a completely changed man and spent the rest of his life as a Franciscan lay brother, doing penance for taking an innocent life. After he was released, he went to Maria's mother to ask for forgiveness, and she did so, saying, "Maria forgave you, how can I not?" Together, they went to church, where he asked the entire community for forgiveness. ThE pATRON SAiNT OF YOuTh AND FORGivENESS Maria was canonized a saint June 24, 1950, by Pope Pius XII in the presence of her mother, her family, Alessandro Serenelli, and over a half-million people. Countless miracles have been attributed to her. She is the patron saint for Catholic youth and forgiveness – those who need to be forgiven and those who need to forgive. St. Maria Goretti 1890-1902 The major relics of St. Maria Goretti made a pilgrimage to the United States called the "Pilgrimage of Mercy" from September to November 2015 Jubilee Year of Mercy DECEMBER 8, 2015 - NOVEMBER 20, 2016 We constantly need to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends on it. POPE FRANCIS Love the portrait of Maria showing mercy on Alessandro? See it in person at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Flores Mariae Gift Shop in LaCrosse, WI. Framed reproductions of the painting, as well as holy cards, can be found in their Flores Mariae Gift Shop. IMAGE, FAR LEFT AND FRONT COVER: © Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Used with permission. One-time use only. Original art commissioned by the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Painted by Artist: Noah Buchanan.