St. Maria Goretti

St. Maria Goretti is definitely a saint for today. I say this for because these days it seems all of society is hell bent at sexualizing our youth & destroying any semblence of innocence. This goal goes right to the heart of what Planned Parenthood is doing in their attempts to foist their verson of sex ed in the schools. They want to destroy the innocense of the youth. St. Maria was 12 years old when Alessandro Serenelli attempted to rape her. She fought to save her innocence, her chastity.

The 2nd reason example has to do with all the contests for young girls that are supposedly a combo of talent & beauty. In them there are 5, 6 or 7 year old girls (& even younger sometimes) dressed up in clothing & make up that makes them look more like prostitutes than innocent children.

& of course, let us not forget the way young pre-teen girls dress up to emulate that genre of female musical artists that are known as pop tarts. A group whose patron sinners are Madonna & Lady Gaga.

St. Maria, then, stands as a shining countercultural example of what childhood should be about.

I conclude with this from the homily given by Venerable Pope Pius XII at her canonization. What he said then about the example she set is even more true today.

"It is well known how this young girl had to face a bitter struggle with no way to defend herself. Without warning a vicious stranger burst upon her, bent on raping her and destroying her childlike purity. In that moment of crisis she could have spoken to her Redeemer in the words of that classic, The Imitation of Christ: “Though tested and plagued by a host of misfortunes, I have no fear so long as your grace is with me. It is my strength, stronger than any adversary; it helps me and give me guidance.” With splendid courage she surrendered herself to God and his grace and so gave her life to protect her virginity. The life of a simple girl – I shall concern myself only with highlights – we can see as worthy of heaven. Even today people can look upon it with admiration and respect. Parents can learn from her story how to raise their God-given children in virtue, courage, and holiness; they can learn to train them in the Catholic faith so that, when put to the test, God’s grace will support them and they will come through undefeated, unscathed, and untarnished. From Maria’s story carefree children and young people with their zest for life can learn not to be led astray by attractive pleasures which are not only ephemeral and empty but also sinful. Instead they can fix their sights on achieving Christian moral perfection, however difficult that course may prove. With determination and God’s help all of us can attain that goal by persistent effort and prayer. Not all of us are expected to die a martyr‘s death, but we are all called to the pursuit of Christian virtue. So let us all, with God’s grace, strive to reach the goal that the example of the virgin martyr, Saint Maria Goretti, sets before us. Through her prayers to the Redeemer may all of us, each in his own way, joyfully try to follow the inspiring example of Maria Goretti who now enjoys eternal happiness in heaven."