Due to the size of this item, delivery outside of the UK mainland will be calculated once we receive your order. This is to ensure that we get the item to you as soon as we can at the best price possible.
To discuss any additional delivery costs prior to placing your order, please contact our customer service team. *Note that delivery costs calculated prior to your order being placed may be subject to change, due to fluctuating shipping costs.Â
Saint Maria Goretti was born on 16th October 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy. Her father moved his family to Ferrier di Conca, near Anzio - there he died of malaria and Maria's mother was left struggling to feed her children. In 1902, Maria was sitting outside the steps sewing Alessandro's shirt while he threshed beans in the barnyard (it is unclear if Alessandro was her brother or her neighbour), when Alessandro grabbed her and tried to rape her. Maria cried that it was a mortal sin and struggled against him. Alessandro began to choke her and she said she would rather die than submit. Hearing this, he pulled out a knife and stabbed her a total of 14 times before fleeing. Maria's family returned home and found her bleeding on the floor. She was rushed to hospital, but she was beyond the surgeon's ability to help. The next day, Maria forgave Alessandro and died looking upon an image of the Virgin Mary and holding a cross to her chest. Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison, unrepented, until Saint Maria Goretti visited him in his dream. After this, he repented his crime and lived a reformed life. He was released 27 years later, and went directly to Maria's mother, begging for her forgiveness. He received this and then became a laybrother at the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, where he lived in a monastery and worked as its receptionist and gardner until his death.Â