St. Charles Apache Mission School, located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, recently posted on its Facebook page the story of Saint Maria Goretti, who lived from October 1890 to July 1902.

Saint Maria was only a child at the time of her death, and her untimely demise was the result of her resisting a sexual encounter with a young boy who tried to force himself upon her. Nineteen years old, Alessandro, the assaulter, tried to seduce Maria, threatening her and saying that he would harm Maria’s mother if she told anyone about the inappropriate way that he spoke to her. 

One day, Maria was dragged into the kitchen by Alessandro, who attempted to have intercourse with her. She protested, saying that it was a sin and against God’s will and Alessandro responded by stabbing her with a knife. She was stabbed repeatedly and discovered in a pool of blood by her father but still living when she was found.

Saint Maria Goretti | Wikipedia

Alessandro was found by the police and taken away by guards before he could be lynched by the angry mob. While Maria was still alive, she was given the crucifix to hold and kiss and forgave Alessandro for his crimes against her.

Before her death, Maria was given Holy Communion for the last time, praying for her mother in her last moments on this earth.

Maria was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII who said that she was the perfect example of a child from a Catholic home that prays and that her purity is a powerful example. Her feast day is July 6.

“Maria Goretti is an excellent model and intercessor for today's Catholic youth, confronted by a sea of immorality poured out on the world by the modern media,” the Facebook post said. “She offers children and young people a refuge, protection, a serene spirit and the deep joy of the pure of heart.”