Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr

Saint Maria Teresa Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy, to a poor farming family. As hardship pressed in, her parents moved in search of work, and when her father died of malaria, Maria—still a child—took on the quiet burdens of the home, cooking, sewing, and caring for her little sister while the rest labored in the fields. In the summer of 1902, the family shared their dwelling with the Serenellis. Alessandro Serenelli, a young man in the household, tried to force Maria into sin. She resisted with courage, warning him of the gravity of what he sought. Enraged, he stabbed her repeatedly. Brought to a hospital in Nettuno, Maria endured terrible suffering, yet her heart remained fixed on Christ: she forgave her attacker and prayed for his salvation before dying on July 6, 1902. Her witness to purity, mercy, and forgiveness moved the Church, and she was canonized in 1950. She is honored as patron of Fonteblanda, Frigole, Rispescia, and San Mauro Mare. Her feast day is July 6.

Saint Romulus of Fiesole lived in the first century, and while the details of his birth are not known, he is remembered as one of the earliest shepherds of the Church in central Italy. Ancient tradition holds that he was converted by Saint Peter himself and formed as a disciple of the Apostle before being sent to proclaim Christ. Romulus is venerated as the first bishop of Fiesole, a humble servant who strengthened the young Christian community with preaching, prayer, and pastoral care. In time of persecution under the emperor Domitian, Romulus is said to have sealed his witness with blood, suffering martyrdom together with four companions—Carissimus, Dulcissimus, Marchisianus, and Crescentius. Though later centuries shaped and embellished the story of his life, the Church of Fiesole has long honored him as a true father in the faith and a courageous martyr. He is patron saint of Fiesole and Figline Valdarno. His feast day is celebrated on July 6.