About Today for

July 6

Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr

Optional Memorial

Saint Maria Goretti was a young girl in the 1890’s. After her father’s passing, Saint Maria’s mother had to return to work while Maria looked after her five brothers and sisters. Sadly, a malicious neighbor took advantage of the situation and little Maria was killed. Saint Maria, at age 11, declared she’d rather die than be abused. She was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII and is one of the Church’s youngest saints. [1]

Written by Sarah Ciotti
[1] St. Maria Goretti, Catholic News Agency, 2012.
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ.