Forgiveness reaps heaven

    Today we celebrate St. Maria Goretti. This sweet child of 11 years old shows us the power of God and His promises of forgiveness and chastity. We turn to her to intercede for us and our children to hold fast to the dignity of God and our bodies and the glory of forgiveness. 

     Beautiful Maria Goretti forgave her attacker and gained many fruits from this great act. Her neighbor, Alessandro Serenelli was converted to the Holy Faith. After spending a lengthy time in prison, he experienced a dream in which Maria appeared to him. Offering him 14 white lilies, the amount of stab wounds which he incurred to Maria in his attempted assault on her, thus sparking his conversion. Upon his release he sought out Maria's mother, begging for forgiveness, which she granted him. Both Alessandro and Maria's mother were present for Maria's canonization on June 24th, 1950. She is honored as the Patron Saint of youth, teenagers and victims of sexual violence. 

     Forgiveness reaps many gifts. May we always remember the measure to which we forgive will always be the measure that God uses for us. 

     St Maria Goretti, pray for us!