Saint Maria Goretti (1890-1902),  Martyr for Purity

To many, the story of St. Maria Goretti is already familiar as the story of a young girl who refused to acquiesce in a grave crime against chastity. Few realize that before the final dramatic refusal,  Maria had also resisted blandishments and threats. The canonisation of Maria Goretti was not based on a single moments struggle against sin but upon her practice of heroic virtue  through her entire short life. To die rather than to sin was a far more natural choice for Maria than was the alternative - to sin in order to avoid death.

Prayer to Saint Maria Goretti

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 that 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 mention your intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishables glory of  Heaven. Amen.    

One night a man had a dream that he was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him , the other belonging to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints, and that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life . . . . .  This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.

“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But during the most troublesome times  in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most, you would leave me.”

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”     - Author Unknown

JM just finished Grade 3 in our parish CCD program and the children are now on summer vacation, though the schedule of the program does not coincide with the schedule of the regular semester in the current school year.  The classes in this program use the Coming to Faith series of books K-6 published by William Sadlier.  The series helps children to explore their faith, develop morally and grow in religious understanding and practice.

During the CCD summer break, I continue with daily Catechism lessons at home and the resource materials in hand are St. Joseph picture books and Books of Saints by Fr. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. , superbly illustrated in full color and simply written for children to better understand the Catholic faith.  For Gospel readings, my son reads Gospel Stories for children, published by the Daughters of St. Paul. A  few months ago, I  introduced him to the books of the Bible , covering both the Old and the New Testament.

Once a month in our parish, religious and charitable organizations hold a sale of used goods ranging from clothes, shoes, toys, books and magazines, home accessories and many other useful items. I look forward to this monthly sale because it is a good time to shop for second hand children’s books at really bargain prices. The good news is that the books on sale are slightly used only. Aside from books, I love buying these huge jigsaw puzzles for my son and other educational stuff which are available on sale.