St. Maria Goretti - A Beautiful Rose

"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."

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
St. Maria Goretti, pray for us!

In Christ,

Mary

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St. Thérèse & First Communicants

"How sweet was the first embrace of Jesus! It was indeed an embrace of love. I felt that I was loved, and I said: “I love Thee, and I give myself to Thee for ever.” Jesus asked nothing of me, and claimed no sacrifice; for a long time He and little Thérèse had known and understood one another. That day our meeting was more than simple recognition, it was perfect union. We were no longer two. Thérèse had disappeared like a drop of water lost in the immensity of the ocean; Jesus alone remained–He was the Master,the King! Had not Thérèse asked Him to take away her liberty which frightened her? She felt herself so weak and frail, that she wished to be for ever united to the Divine Strength." ~St. Thérèse on her First Communion day, taken from The Story of a Soul


Catholic tradition holds that the prayers offered by a First Communicant while receiving the Blessed Sacrament for the first time will never be denied. Perhaps it's time to find a First Communicant this month and entrust them with our heavenward petitions!

An embroidered handkerchief for a very special First Communicant

"What about the boys?" One Catholic mother solved the answer to this question with a unique and subtle approach: embroidered ties. A small monstrance, initials, and date were all embroidered on this pewter tie in matching thread - a special remembrance for a special boy on his First Holy Communion.

Do you have a First Communicant this year in your circle of family and friends?