“My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hands on her, and she will live.” Matthew 9:18
In 1902, a child was martyred, Maria Goretti, not yet 12 years old. She was canonized in Rome in 1950 before the biggest crowd to witness a canonization up to that time. Her mother and her murderer were in attendance.
That was at the beginning of the century that produced more martyrs than all previous 19 centuries combined. Nothing could equal the suffering, persecution, and murders of the 20th century.
Regarding Christians, we like to remember the famous saying of the early Church author, Tertullian:
“The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
Even today, in the 21st century, persecution of Christians is ongoing.
We can glean several lessons from Maria Goretti for our families and our faith.
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Parents need to be alert for warning signs that their children may be at risk from neighbors and relatives.
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Maria knew her faith, and the precious gifts of her integrity and dignity. These were worth dying for.
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We can join and support the efforts of the Church and organizations like the Knights of Columbus and Aid to the Church in Need, who spare no effort to protect Christians.
Maria Goretti may have died a martyr, but the Lord has taken this little girl by the hand and raised her up. Now, she is more alive than ever!
Saint Maria Goretti, Pray for us!
- For additional reading and watching.
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Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
