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House of the Martyrdom of Saint Maria Goretti: A Pilgrimage to the Place of Sacrifice

The House of the Martyrdom of Saint Maria Goretti, located in Le Ferriere (LT), is a place of deep spirituality and memory, where the young saint spent her final years and suffered martyrdom. This sanctuary is not only a place of prayer but also a historical site that bears witness to the simple life and unwavering faith of one of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church.

History and Description of the Sanctuary

The complex consists of a two-story country farmhouse, accessible via an external staircase. Adjacent to it is the “old farmhouse,” now home to the Passionist Sisters. The main object of veneration is the building itself, a witness to the life and sacrifice of Saint Maria Goretti.

The old farmhouse, structured on two levels, originally housed the stables on the ground floor and the Goretti family’s living quarters on the upper floor. It was in these spaces that Maria Goretti spent part of her short life, marked by poverty but illuminated by deep faith.

Saint Maria Goretti: The Saint of Purity

Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, in the Marche region, to Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini. The family, marked by poverty, moved to Le Ferriere in 1899, where Luigi found work as a farm laborer. After the premature death of her father, Maria dedicated herself to caring for her siblings and household chores, growing in humility and devotion.

On July 5, 1902, Maria Goretti was the victim of a brutal attempted assault by Alessandro Serenelli, a young man who worked on the same farm. To defend her purity, Maria resisted with all her strength, suffering fourteen stab wounds. Taken to the hospital in Nettuno, she died two days later, on July 7, forgiving her attacker. This act of forgiveness and her heroic defense of virtue made her a symbol of purity and courage.

The Path to Sainthood

• October 16, 1890: Birth of Maria Goretti in Corinaldo.
• February 1899: The family moves to Le Ferriere.
• May 6, 1900: Death of Luigi Goretti.
• June 16, 1901: Maria’s First Communion in Borgo Montello.
• July 5, 1902: Assault and martyrdom of Maria Goretti.
• July 7, 1902: Death of Maria Goretti in Nettuno.
• April 27, 1947: Beatification of Maria Goretti by Pius XII.
• June 24, 1950: Canonization of Maria Goretti.

A Place of Faith and Memory

Visiting the House of the Martyrdom of Saint Maria Goretti means retracing the steps of a saint who, through her life, bore witness to the love of God and the strength of purity. The simplicity of the place, the presence of the Passionist Sisters, and the atmosphere of prayer invite reflection and devotion.

Suggestions for the Visit and Reflection

• Explore the Farmhouse: Admire the rural architecture and imagine the daily life of the Goretti family.
• Pray at the site of martyrdom: A moment of silence and contemplation to honor the sacrifice of Saint Maria Goretti.
• Visit the “old farmhouse”: Discover the history and spirituality of the Passionist Sisters.
• Delve into the history: Learn about the life of Saint Maria Goretti and the historical context in which she lived.
• Reflect on the meaning of martyrdom: An opportunity to meditate on the values of purity, forgiveness, and courage.

Useful Information for the Visit

The sanctuary is open to pilgrims and visitors. It is recommended to contact the Passionist Sisters for information on opening hours and liturgical celebrations. The visit is a touching and meaningful experience for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of Saint Maria Goretti and live a moment of profound spirituality.

The Ex-Votos: Testimonies of Received Graces

Originally, the ex-votos (votive offerings as a sign of gratitude for a received grace) were kept in the last room of the apartment where Maria Goretti suffered martyrdom. The collection, begun in 1952, included luminaries, inscribed tablets, goldsmith items, photographs, and various other objects. Later, the ex-votos were transferred to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace and Saint Maria Goretti in Nettuno.

Although there are no formalized collections of miracles, the graces obtained through the intercession of Saint Maria Goretti are reported in the Sanctuary Bulletin, testifying to the continued devotion and the living presence of the saint in the lives of the faithful.

Str. del Cavaliere, 143, 04100 Le Ferriere LT, Italy