St.Maria Goretti + Marie + Maria Goretti
Maria is a beautiful Woman , inside and out and I am proud to call her my friend!
My dear Ugandan friend Maria Goretti and I share a feast day--that of St. Maria Goretti on July 6th. Two years ago, shortly after our first meeting in Maria's humble home, we took this wonderful picture of Maria putting my hair on her head .Last year I gifted Maria with twin St. Maria Goretti medals, but this year, sadly, I am unable to share this special day in her presence
On some level I must have known that was the case, as several weeks ago when visiting me, I noticed she was trying to grow her hair out. I offered to treat her to a full braiding, which is the "in" thing to do here.She gladly accepted and I followed this up with a bit of sparkling makeup and a full photo shoot.
If you recall ,Maria is HIV+ since the early 90's when she was diagnosed after the delivery of her last child (and only girl) Florida.
If you want to read (or re-read ) her amazing story, click back to June 2007 blogs where I included her story of escaping from the Rwandan Genocide , walking from Rwanda to Uganda with her three small boys and 9 mo. pregnant with her daughter. Sadly her husband did not survive.
Saint Maria Goretti was born Maria Teresa Goretti in 1890 in Corinaldo in the province of Anchoa, then the Kingdom of Italy.Due to poverty and her father's illness, the family had to give up their farm and work for other farmers, While the family worked the fields, Maria stayed at home and cooked and sewed . It was a hard life but the family shared a deep love of God.
On July 5th, 1902, AlessandroSerenelli found Maria at home sewing. He threatened her with death, if she did not do as he wanted. She would not submit, prolaiming she would rather die than commit a mortal sin. At first he choked her, then stabbed her 14 times.The injured Maria crawled to the door and he stabbed her 3 more times, before running away.
Later she was found by her sister and taken to the hospital for surgery. The following day, 20 hours following the attack, Maria expressed forgiveness for her attacker and wished he would somday be in heaven with her . She then died from her injuries.
He was given a sentence of 30 years because he was a minor but expressed no remorse for 3 years until he experienced a vision of Maria handing him a bunch of Lilies which burned into his hands.After his release, he visited Maria's mother to ask her forgiveness. She said if Maria could forgive him on her death bed, then she couldn do no less. Together they attended Mass and received Holy Communion side by side.
Alessandro referred to Maria as"his little saint" and became a lay-brother in the Capuchin Order working as a receptionist and gardener until his peaceful death in 1970.
BEATIFICATION AND CANONIZATION:--------------------------------------------------
----Maria was beatified in April 1947 and Canonized on June 24, 1950 by Pope Pius the 12th. Her mother attended both events , along with 4 other brothers and sisters. Alessandro Serenelli, her repentant murderer, was also present at the canonization. Maria was named as the Saint ot Chastity, Rape-Victims and Forgiveness
Saint Maria Goretti was born Maria Teresa Goretti in 1890 in Corinaldo in the province of Anchoa, then the Kingdom of Italy.Due to poverty and her father's illness, the family had to give up their farm and work for other farmers, While the family worked the fields, Maria stayed at home and cooked and sewed . It was a hard life but the family shared a deep love of God.On July 5th, 1902, AlessandroSerenelli found Maria at home sewing. He threatened her with death, if she did not do as he wanted. She would not submit, prolaiming she would rather die than commit a mortal sin. At first he choked her, then stabbed her 14 times.The injured Maria crawled to the door and he stabbed her 3 more times, before running away.
Later she was found by her sister and taken to the hospital for surgery. The following day, 20 hours following the attack, Maria expressed forgiveness for her attacker and wished he would somday be in heaven with her . She then died from her injuries.
He was given a sentence of 30 years because he was a minor but expressed no remorse for 3 years until he experienced a vision of Maria handing him a bunch of Lilies which burned into his hands.After his release, he visited Maria's mother to ask her forgiveness. She said if Maria could forgive him on her death bed, then she couldn do no less. Together they attended Mass and received Holy Communion side by side.
Alessandro referred to Maria as"his little saint" and became a lay-brother in the Capuchin Order working as a receptionist and gardener until his peaceful death in 1970.
BEATIFICATION AND CANONIZATION:--------------------------------------------------
----Maria was beatified in April 1947 and Canonized on June 24, 1950 by Pope Pius the 12th. Her mother attended both events , along with 4 other brothers and sisters. Alessandro Serenelli, her repentant murderer, was also present at the canonization. Maria was named as the Saint ot Chastity, Rape-Victims and Forgiveness
posted by Marie McGee @ 8:50 AM
1 Comments:
At Thu Jul 09, 07:31:00 AM ,
Anonymous said...
Thank you, Marie for reminding us of the incredible life and heart of your two beloved 'Maria's'. In remembering the original introduction to us of Maria Goretti, your friend in Kisoro, there is a sense of deep gratitude to God for the incredible grace He has poured upon her. Your accounts always present a woman who is not just a 'survivor' of injustice, cruelty and atrocity, but a 'thriver', who dares to continue on with hope and committment to life and those whom she shares her days with. Indeed, your friendship is another of the miracles that illuminate your life. What a treasure you are to each other. I truly believe your friendship was orchestrated by the blessed Saint, who smiles from Heaven and delights in your relationship. To all three Marie/Marias- may the rest of us learn of the gift of acceptance, hospitality, hope, sacrifice, celebration and joy that is evidence when the sacrament of friendship is embraced, honored and appreciated. Thank you. Our prayers continue to be with you each of these days when you are about the business of living life passionately and fully present. In you, Christ has a welcomed dwelling place, in which to reach out and touch His beloveds....love and hugs, mj
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