History: St Maria Goretti (1890 – 1902) was born the third of nine children into a poor peasant family at Corinaldo, Italy. When she was 6, her family were so poor that they gave up their farm, went to work as farmhands and shared a home with other families. At 9, St Maria’s father died from malaria.
While living in Lazio, it transpired that another farmhand had been making regular sexual advances to St Maria which she spurned, acknowledging that to do so, was a “mortal sin”. One day while others were in the fields working, she again refused his advances but in his anger, he repeatedly stabbed her. Aware that her wounds were fatal she forgave her attacker before she died. She was just 12 years old.
The farmhand confessed his actions and, over time, became deeply remorseful. St Maria was canonised a Saint in her mother and her attacker’s presence in Rome by Pope Pius in 1947. St Maria’s Feast Day is the 6th July. She is Patron Saint of victims of rape and the youth.
Novena 1: St Maria Goretti (Based on Official Prayer)
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee…
(Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
… St Maria Goretti: Pray for us (x3) …
Novena 2: St Maria Goretti
Day 1
O St. Maria Goretti, beautiful model of purity, you defended your virginity unto your death.
Even at the age of 11, you held dear to your heart what is dear to our Lord’s heart, your purity. Pray for me that I may do the same, especially when I am tempted.
Please pray that God will give me the strength to avoid sin and say, “yes” to a life which will lead to eternity in Heaven with you and our Lord.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Day 2
O St. Maria Goretti, beautiful model of love, your love for God was so clear in how you cared for your family during such hardships and in how you loved your enemies — even while you were dying.
Even at the age of 11, you understood what it meant to love the Lord and to love your neighbour as yourself. Pray for me, that I may be able to do the same.
Please pray that I will truly be able to serve my family joyfully, and others who need my help and love. And most of all, pray that our Lord will come first in my heart.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Day 3
O St. Maria Goretti, a beautiful model of forgiveness, pray for me.
Even at the age of 11, you did not withhold forgiveness from your attacker. You didn’t wish him unwell. On the contrary, you wanted Heaven for him. You loved him in that way. Pray for me, that I, too, will be able to love my enemies like you did. Pray that I will want Heaven for them.
Please pray that it will become easier and easier to forgive those who have hurt me and those who hurt others. Please pray for my own healing from past hurts so that I can move forward and offer forgiveness.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Day 4
O St. Maria Goretti, beautiful model of chastity, you guarded your virginity with such fervour.
Even at the age of 11, you knew the value of the virtue of chastity. Please pray that I will become better at practising chastity in my own life.
Pray that I will learn to live a life in which desire is subservient to reason. Please pray that I will be able to love as Jesus does: selflessly.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Day 5
O St. Maria Goretti, a beautiful model of mercy, pray for me. God’s mercy is the only hope for mankind. I know we are called to imitate our Father’s mercy to those around us, but it is hard, and I often fail.
But you, even at the age of 11, were strong and courageous enough to offer mercy to your attacker, the one who hurt you the very most.
Please pray that I will be able to do the same to those who hurt me. Please pray that I will not consider their unworthiness but that I will recall our Lord’s merciful acts for me, as you did.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Day 6
O St. Maria Goretti, beautiful model of living a holy, everyday life, pray for me.
I often feel as though my life must be extraordinary if I am to be a saint but you show me another way. You show me that I can be a saint if I love our Lord with all my heart and if I serve my family and put them before myself.
Please pray that I may be selfless as you were and that I can learn to deny my own desires so that I can fulfil our Lord’s will.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Day 7
O St. Maria Goretti, beautiful model of Christian suffering, pray for me.
You carried your cross so courageously while you suffered through surgery without anesthetic. You thirsted and were not able to be given water, and you accepted that cross because you loved our Lord. Pray for me, St. Maria Goretti, that I will become better at carrying my cross.
Pray that I will not complain about my cross and that I will remember to offer it up to our Lord, for I know that He does not waste any ounce of suffering given to Him.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Day 8
O St. Maria Goretti, patron of youth, please pray for the children in my life and the youth across the world. Please pray that their faith may be as strong as yours was when you were 11 years old.
Pray that I may do what I can to support children in their faith, and to encourage them to love our Lord, to put Him first in their lives, and to follow His commandments.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Day 9
O St. Maria Goretti, patron of victims of rape, please pray for all those whose dignity has been attacked. Pray for their healing, for comfort and for peace for them.
Please pray that we, as a society, may be able to better protect those who are survivors of sexual assault. And please pray for justice for their attackers, but most of all, for their contrition and conversion.
Please also pray for (Mention your intentions…) but may God’s will be done. Amen.
Novena 3: St Maria Goretti
Day 1
Most lovable little Saint, who valued your purity above any earthly gain, and who sealed this choice with a martyr’s death, obtain for me also a strong love of this virtue, so consoling to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The pleasures of the world create many temptations for me. I turn to your powerful intercession in Heaven, so that with this help I may remain ever loyal to God, no matter what the price. In danger, inspire me to repeat with you, No, it is a sin!
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
Day 2
Dear Saint Mary Goretti, a model of loving obedience to parents, teach me to imitate your example. Help me to overcome all selfishness and stubborn pride, draw my family to Thee, then lead me to accept this authority as the Voice of God in my life. Help them to direct me aright and enable me to obey their every wish.
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
Day 3
Dear Little Saint Maria, you were ready for the moment of martyrdom because your short life was given over to daily and heroic self-denial. Your great love of the Sacred Hearts made all this possible. Teach me to love Jesus and His Blessed Mother, so that I too will be inspired to daily self-denial. I am inclined to pamper myself, to gratify my senses, and to excuse myself from all penance. This keeps me from being a true follower of Christ. Help me, lovable Little Martyr, to a sincere practice of self-denial, so that I may be your worthy follower and thus gain Heaven for all Eternity.
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
Day 4
Dear Little Saint, your days were spent in the filth of the marshes, willingly helping your desperately poor parents and family. Obtain for me the grace to accept my present circumstances in life, no matter how difficult or humiliating they may be.
Just one little drop of water was the only request that fell from your parched lips during those last horrible hours of life. How much I demand, how unhappy I am when I cannot have my share of the world’s conveniences and gaudy attractions! Teach me by your heroic example to be content with what I have, to be grateful for the blessings God has already showered upon me.
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
Day 5
Dear Little Saint, I depend a great deal upon the help of my friends in time of trouble or sorrow. I look for their approval in many things. I am disconsolate and lonely when they desert me. Through your powerful intercession in Heaven, obtain for me the grace to place all my trust in God. Only by walking constantly in His presence and depending upon His help, will I have the courage to stand up for His laws, even though it may mean the loss of friends, criticism and complete removal of worldly comfort. Help me to look for all of my strength in Him.
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
Day 6
Dear Little Saint, help me to greater love of my Faith. I have many God-given opportunities to study it but, sad to say, I neglect them. I am even critical of the Priests, Brothers and Sisters who offer their lives that I may better know and love my holy religion. Dear Saint Maria Goretti, teach me to be thankful for the graces which you did not have. Make me proud of my Faith and ready to die for it, if God should require that of me.
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
Day 7
Dear Little Saint, never was Jesus more welcome in a human heart than in yours. Your Great Day of First Communion could not come quickly enough. In borrowed clothes and your head crowned with flowers of the field, you knelt to receive Him into your soul, so rich with Innocence and Love, and this after months of keen anticipation. O Powerful Intercessor with the Lamb of God, inflame my soul with your ardent longing to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Obtain for me the grace to put aside laziness and indifference, so that I may often, even daily, allow myself to be consumed in the burning Furnace of Charity. St Maria, teach me what true Love really is!
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
Day 8
Dear Little Martyr, to the last you followed your beloved Jesus. He, while hanging upon His Cross of Suffering, uttered through parched lips, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. And you upon your bed of pain, burning with fever, forgave your murderer with the words, I too, pardon him… I too, wish him to join me in Paradise.
Grant me the grace, O Heroic Saint, to be charitable to others. Much of my time is spent on vengeful thoughts, seeking how I may pay back to others the harm they have done to me. Teach me to forgive, so that I may not only gain Heaven but also lead others there who might otherwise be doomed to Hell. If I am to follow Christ, help me to imitate His Charity, as you did.
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
Day 9
Dear Saint Maria Goretti, once again I turn to you and beg of you in the words of Our Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, that serenity of spirit and deep joy which is the heritage of those who are pure of heart. Help me to turn to Our Blessed Lady, confident in the hope that she will take my hand as she did yours, and lead me on to Paradise, my heavenly country, there to enjoy with you and Her, the company of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost for all Eternity.
Conclude with: Prayer to St Maria Goretti
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s grace, did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity.
Look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, especially the youth, to flee from anything that could offend Jesus and stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord, victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we now earnestly beg of thee… (Share your request)…
St Maria, pray that we may one day enjoy with you, the eternal glory of Heaven. Amen.
… St Maria Goretti, Pray for Us …
