St. Maria Goretti

Feast Day: July 6

Patroness of young people, purity, and victims of rape

At the age of 11, while repairing a shirt at her home, St. Maria Goretti was approached by a person whom she knew, tried to rape her. She protested and attempted to remind her assailant that it was a mortal sin. He then began to choke her. Despite her life being threatened, she continued to fight, stating she would rather die than submit. After which, she was stabbed 14 times. Despite efforts by surgeons, Maria died with her eyes upon Mary and embracing a cross. Before she died, she forgave the man who stabbed her.

Her assailant was captured, questioned, and lived unrepentant until, he had a dream where Maria handed him lilies, which burned his hands. After that, he was a changed, reformed man. He actually attended Maria’s canonization, and eventually became a lay brother with the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.