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| "A pure heart is a beautiful rose" - St. John Marie Vianney |
This July marks the 110th anniversay of St. Maria Goretti's death - the ultimate sacrifice in the name of purity. Former president for Catholics United for Christ, Mr. James Likouds' reflection on St. Maria Goretti as a saint for our times resounds with truth, "In many of his addresses, Pope John Paul II has noted that the 20th century has been perhaps the bloodiest and most murderous century in the history of mankind, giving the Church the most martyrs in her 2,000-year history. It should be a matter of profound reflection that the 20th century may be said to have begun with the martyrdom in 1902 of a young girl, Maria Goretti–not yet 12 years of age–who did not hesitate to give her life for the virtues of virginity and chastity so cherished by the Catholic Church."
In a world so quick to reject the principles of chastity in every corner of life, we are given the example of a small child to fortify our courage. Let us always strive to foster a love and emulation of St. Maria Goretti's purity in our own lives and especially in the lives of the youth of today.
"Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve 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, and especially youth, with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or 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 earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen."
St. Maria Goretti, pray for us!
In Christ,
Mary
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