Forgiveness Can Work Miracles: The Story of Saint Maria Goretti

Eleven-year old Maria Goretti was attacked by her 18-year old neighbor, who finally wanted to act out what he watched in his pornography addiction. She said no, and then he stabbed her. Before she died, she told him she forgave him and would pray for his soul. Alexander spent 27-years in prison, but his heart was freed even while he was still behind bars. He had a dream in which Maria gave him flowers. His soul was converted to God. He was there when Maria became Saint Maria in 1950. He has a cause for canonization too, which would make him a patron for those who suffer from pornography addiction and problems with lust. Saint Maria Goretti is a patron for sexual assault victims, for purity and for forgiveness. I went to middle school at a parish named for her. I implore her intercession and Alexander’s for all who suffer. There are many victims of sexual crimes that are reported, but so very many more that are unreported. There are so many who suffer with painful memories. There are many who wish they could break free from impulses they know are hurting themselves and others. And then there are the people who continue to hurt others, having no idea that what they’re doing is wrong. Those are the people who need the most prayer. 

Conversion can happen. Prayer and forgiveness can work miracles. Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us.