NovenasSt. Maria Goretti Novena
Novena to the Martyr of Purity
A nine-day novena to St. Maria Goretti, the young Italian girl who died defending her purity at age 11. She forgave her attacker before dying and is the patron of youth, purity, and forgiveness.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
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For Purity of Heart
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O God, author of innocence and lover of chastity, You bestowed the grace of martyrdom on St. Maria Goretti in the flower of her youth. Through her intercession, grant us constancy in keeping Your commandments, and the grace to forgive those who hurt us.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
Maria Goretti was an ordinary Italian peasant girl, but she had an extraordinary love for purity. When her attacker tried to assault her, she resisted, crying out, 'No! It is a sin! God does not want it!'
She chose death rather than sin. Her example shows that purity is worth defending, even at the cost of one's life.
Prayer
St. Maria Goretti, you treasured purity above your own life. Help me to value this virtue and to resist all temptations against it.
(Mention your intentions here)
Prayer to St. Maria Goretti
O St. Maria Goretti, strengthened by God's grace, you did not hesitate even at the age of eleven to give your life to defend your purity. You forgave your attacker and prayed for his conversion.
Obtain for me, through your intercession, the grace to remain pure in thought, word, and deed. Help me to forgive those who hurt me and to desire their salvation.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
St. Maria Goretti, pray for us. Amen.
About this novena
A nine-day novena to St. Maria Goretti, the young Italian girl who died defending her purity at age 11. She forgave her attacker before dying and is the patron of youth, purity, and forgiveness.
June 28 - July 6 (Feast: July 6), or any time
Traditional start: July 6
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
