"If You Forgive Someone You Can Become a Saint"

A picture taken of the truck which transports the body of
St. Maria Goretti

This week we have been sharing stories from our trip to the World Meeting of Families(WMOF) where 9 children and 4 adults represented the Children's Rosary.  The children helped answer questions about the Children's Rosary at our informational booth at the WMOF.  In between our time in the convention center at the booth we had an opportunity to see the tour of the major relics of St. Maria Goretti.  The incorrupt body of St. Maria Goretti was displayed at St. John the Evangelist Church in Philadelphia.  This was a wonderful highlight as my daughter Alina had been doing reading about this saint and had made a compilation of drawings and quotes about her life (pictures on the right).  Alina's younger brother on the way to the relic tour asked her about St. Maria Goretti.  She told him "if you forgive someone you can become a saint".  A very sweet summary of Maria Goretti through the eyes of a child.

Indeed the life of Maria Goretti is a wonderful witness of the fruits and beauty that comes through forgiveness.  Another path full of more suffering could have unfolded if Maria had not forgiven the individual responsible for her fatal wounds.  

While sitting in prayer before the relics for several hours, a documentary played in the background.  I was not aware of the fact that Maria's mother was unable to go to her funeral as that was one of the last days she could spend with her remaining 5 children.  Since Maria's mother was already a widow with little means, the loss of Maria was the tipping point by which she no longer could support her children.  Thus she had to give them all up for adoption.  So the death of Maria also meant the loss of all the Goretti children for her mother.  Yet years later when the individual responsible for so much pain stood on her doorstep asking for forgiveness Maria's mother not only forgave the man but also took him into her home as her son.  Indeed Maria's witness served as a bright light for so many even her mother.  Maria was just 11 years old at her death and for many children she represents a wonderful example of purity and forgiveness. At Maria's Canonization her mother was able to attend.  This was the first time a parent was able to attend the canonization of a saint.

Recently the Vatican announced that a plenary indulgence under the normal conditions would be granted to all those who go and venerate St. Maria Goretti during the September-November Tour. 

Please know that in a special way you were all remembered in prayer during veneration of the relics of St. Maria Goretti. In a special way I prayed for a protection of the purity of the children who are part of the Children's Rosary and the grace of forgiveness for all the members of the Children's Rosary.

Other posts you may enjoy:
How to Start a Children's Rosary
Pure Joy Comes from the Lord
Here is what Parents, Clergymen and Children are Saying about the Children's Rosary