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ST. MARIA GORETTI NOVENA

A Nine Day Novena for Modern Youth and Survivors of Sexual Abuse, Exploitation, and Rape

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Help us fight against modern-day slavery in our novena to St. Maria Goretti. 

The startling reality of sexual trafficking and abuse in our world today. 

In this day and age it can be difficult to imagine that modern-day slavery exists, and even more difficult to accept that this reality is often very close to us, closer than we realize or would like to admit. But the horrors of sexual human trafficking, abuse, and rape are very real — and ending these atrocities begins with realizing just how far they reach.

 

Here are a few statistics that demonstrate the scope of human trafficking and abuse in our world today:

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40-42 million — the estimated number of people enslaved in prostitution around the globe.

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More than 100,000 children are sold for sex in the U.S. each year.

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12-14 years old is the average age for a child to enter forced prostitution.

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Human trafficking is the third-largest criminal activity in the world.

Who is St. Maria Goretti? 

St. Maria Goretti is the patroness of modern youth and survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Born into extreme poverty in Corinaldo, Italy, in 1890, Maria took on the responsibility of helping to raise her five siblings after her father's death when she was nine.

At just twelve years old, she was attacked by her neighbor Alessandro Serenelli. During the assault, Alessandro stabbed Maria 14 times after she resisted his sexual advances. Maria succumbed to her injuries the next day, expressing forgiveness for Alessandro Serenelli in her final words and her desire for him to join her in heaven.

Maria's forgiveness transformed Alessandro's life; after serving time in prison for his crime, he converted, sought repentance, and reconciled with Maria's mother. His presence at Maria’s canonization in St. Peter’s Square on June 24, 1950, underscored the profound impact of her mercy.

Alessandro spent his remaining years as a tertiary with the Brothers of St. Francis, Capuchins from Marche, embodying the redemption and reconciliation that can arise from acts of forgiveness.

 

Join us in prayer to end human trafficking. 

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We invite you to turn with us to St. Maria Goretti, patroness of modern youth and survivors of sexual abuse and rape, in a novena to beg for her intercession and prayers for survivors around the world and an end to these heinous acts.

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THE SAINT MARIA GORETTI NOVENA

 

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