Also known as
Maria Goretti of Poland; Caroline Kozka
Memorial
18 November
Profile
Fourth of eleven children born to the farm family of Jan and Maria Borzechka Kózka. Catechism teacher. A teenaged virgin, she refused the advances of a Russian soldier. He kidnapped her, dragged her into the forest, and murdered her during an attempted rape. Martyr of purity.
Born
2 August 1898 at Wal-Ruda, Poland
Died
murdered during a rape attempt by a Russian soldier on 18 November 1914 in the forests around Wal-Ruda, Poland; her body was found on 4 December 1914; buried at Zabawa, Poland
Beatified
10 June 1987 at Tarnów, Poland by Pope John Paul II
Canonized
pending
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 what 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 insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.
And you know I always have to say something ;)
I was raped as a teen...so I feel a special bond with this girl. I pray she is canonized...who knows, perhaps the miracle it takes will happen to someone I know or myself.
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