Memorial of St. Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr

Today we remember and celebrate St. Maria Goretti, a young girl who was killed because she refused to sin. A young man had asked her for sexual favors and when she repeatedly said no, he became more forceful. He finally got fed up and stabbed her 14 times. On her deathbed, Maria forgave the young man. When she struggled and refused the give in to the young man, Maria Goretti exclaimed, “No! It is a sin! God does not want it!” May all of our thoughts, desires, and actions be determined by God’s love and fidelity towards us so that all that we think, say, and do be a reflection of His love and fidelity.

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