Description
Saint Maria Goretti, young martyr and witness to forgiveness
Saint Maria Goretti (1890-1902) was born at Corinaldo in Italy and grew up in a farming family. She died at eleven after being attacked at Le Ferriere and taken to hospital in Nettuno. Before her death, she expressed forgiveness for her attacker.
Pope Pius XII canonized her in 1950. Her story is remembered in Catholic devotion through the themes of faith, chastity and forgiveness; the responsibility for the violence rests with the attacker. Her liturgical memorial is July 6.
The white lilies in this portrait are a traditional sign of purity, while the long palm frond identifies martyrdom. Her other hand rests against her chest. These visible attributes distinguish the image and help explain why flowers and a palm appear in depictions of Maria Goretti.
Made in Poland on linden wood
Art Christiana makes this icon to order on a linden-wood board with two coats of primer. The image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf (schlagmetal). A certificate bearing the production year and a hanging fixture are attached to the back.
A devotional image for a home prayer corner or a patron saint gift. It can support an age-appropriate introduction to her life, centered on her dignity, faith and freely given forgiveness.