July 6, 2026, Feast of St. Maria Goretti, Holy Rosary (Joyful Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary,Today, July 6, Catholics honor Maria Goretti (1890-1902) as the saint of the day, a paramount example of virtue, courage, and holiness who met a martyr's death.St. Maria was born near Ancona (Italy), the daughter of a poor peasant family. Maria was well known to her neighbors for her cheerfulness and piety.When she was twelve, she was a victim of assault; she preferred to die rather than to lose her virginity.When she refused to submit to the attacker, Alessandro Serenellis, a 20-year-old farmer, stabbed her 14 times.She was taken to the hospital, but she died while forgiving him.During imprisonment, the assassin repented. He later became a lay brother in a Capuchin monastery. Maria was beatified in 1947 and canonized in 1950. The repentant murderer sat next to her mother, Assunta, at the beatification, who also forgave him.It was also the first time a parent was present for their own child's canonization.With splendid courage, the virgin martyr surrendered herself to God and his grace and so gave her life to protect her virginity.In the homily at the canonization of Saint Maria Goretti, Pope Pius XII said,"Let us all, with God's grace, strive to reach the goal that the example of the virgin martyr, Saint Maria Goretti, sets before us. Through her prayers to the Redeemer, may all of us, each in his own way, joyfully try to follow the inspiring example of Maria Goretti, who now enjoys eternal happiness in heaven."We are all called to the pursuit of Christian virtue.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠July 6, 2026, Today’s Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET