Biography

Maria’s story is not for children, even though she died as a child. She was the third child born to a peasant farmer family in Ancona, Italy. Because her father wasn’t making enough money, they moved to the Pontine Marshes in what is today Nettuno, Italy.

They were neighbors to the Serenelli family, who had a 19 year old son named Alessandro. When Maria was ten years old, her father died and this pushed her family closer to her neighbor and Alessandro. Her father’s death also pushed quite a lot of family responsibilities onto Maria while her mother worked longer hours.

Maria cared about her faith very much from a young age and because of this, she took special lessons to receive Holy Communion earlier than other children her age in the region. She often led her siblings in prayer at home since her mother had to work so much.

Maria deeply cared about her faith and relationship with Jesus, which makes sense considering losing her father, and having so much responsibility. When life is difficult, it makes faith a little more possible to have.

Although the Serenelli family looked out for her family, Alessandro was interested in Maria. He often made advances on her, speaking about having sex with her and making offhand, uncomfortable comments at Maria. Because of this Maria avoided being alone with him for months on end.

One day, Alessandro caught her off guard alone in the kitchen. There was no one to see him. He demanded that she have sex with him. She refused saying that he would go to hell if he did this to her. Maria was terrified. Alessandro insulted her and picked up a kitchen knife. Maria resisted and refused to have sex with him. In anger, Alessandro stabbed her. Multiple times. 14 times to be exact.

She screamed. He fled the scene. Maria was dying on the kitchen floor. Wounded, unable to move. The year was 1902, and they didn’t have ambulances like we have today. Maria was brought to the hospital, but there was little they could do for her by the time she arrived. The wounds were too nasty, and there was too much time between the stabbing and arrival.

Maria had a devotion of to the rosary and she received a special miraculous medal on her deathbed. She felt the Blessed Mother was with her as she was dying. Upon receiving last rights, she turned to her mother and said that she forgave Alessandro for killing her. She said that she wished to see him in paradise with her. Maria died from the wounds at the age of 11.

Aftermath

Since Alessandro was a minor, he was arrested for killing Maria instead of receiving the death penalty. He went to prison for 30 years, and while in his cell he dreamt of Maria. She came to him with lilies. After the dream, he actually changed, seeking remorse and even asked her mother for forgiveness.

The church of the time did little to condemn Alessandro’s actions, and more-so praised Maria for saying no to yielding to him. Her purity, although important, should not have cost her her life during the 20 century. Alessandro’s actions only came secondary to her righteous decision. Maria never should have had to choose between her own life and rape though. This was an awful situation that should never have been allowed to happen. At the time, Italy was a male dominated society though, and rape was often seen as a precursor to marriage in the culture of the area. It was wrong, and unfortunate.

Takeaway

Although Maria was wronged by Alessandro and the society, which allowed heinous acts like rape to be commonplace, we still have so much to learn from her. Forgiveness. How many times are we unable to forgive others who have wronged us? Maria’s example of forgiveness after being mortally wounded shows such purity of heart, that I can’t help but get goosebumps just thinking about it. She knew sex is something meant for more than just fulfilling a hot-blooded teenager’s lust. Sex is reserved for the most sanctus union of intimacy in the sacrament of marriage, and she knew that. She couldn’t yield and was able to forgave him. Even hoped to see him in heaven with her. She sure inspires me.

Sources

Burns, Paul. Butler’s Lives of the Saints: New Concise Edition, Liturgical Press, 2003.