The major relics of St. Maria Goretti will be available for veneration this Wednesday, Oct. 7 at St. Peter Parish in Merchantville, as part of a nationwide tour of the patron saint of chastity.
St. Peter’s is one of more than 40 locations in the United States that was chosen for the veneration, and the only location selected in Southern New Jersey and the Delaware Valley.
It is the first time that St. Maria’s body will travel to the U.S., and only the second time that she has left Italy; her body is kept in the crypt of the Basilica of Nostra Signore della Grazie e Santa Maria Goretti in Nuttuno.
In 1902, young Maria was stabbed to death by a neighbor, Allesandro, after she refused his advances. On her deathbed, she forgave her murderer and, after serving 27 years in prison, he was a changed man. When Maria was declared a saint in 1950, Allesandro was there to celebrate her.
Hosting the body of St. Maria Goretti “is an honor. With the upcoming Year of Mercy, it is fitting” to remember a saint who showed mercy and forgiveness to her murderer, said Father Anthony Manupella, parish pastor.
Veneration will be in St. Peter Church from 10 a.m. until a 7 p.m. liturgy, and then veneration will continue until 10 p.m.
For more information, contact Saint Peter Church at 856-663-1373.
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