Woburn Catholic Collaborative

St. Maria Goretti pray for us on your feast day! 🙏

St. Maria Goretti, pray for us! 🙏❤️⁣
⁣On July 6, St. Maria Goretti, a young Italian martyr who stood out for her defense of chastity and deep mercy, is celebrated. On the occasion of her feast day, we share 5 facts about her life:⁣
⁣She was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius XII, who moved by her sacrifice and merciful attitude, called her "little sweet martyr of purity."⁣
⁣Marietta (Maria) Goretti Carlini was born in 1890, in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy, and the day after she was born, she was baptized and consecrated to the Virgin Mary. Her parents were poor, but rich in faith: they used to gather with their children to pray daily, especially the Holy Rosary, and went to Mass every Sunday.⁣
⁣When her father died, her mother raised her children by working in the fields. Maria helped her with household chores and took care of her younger siblings.⁣
⁣Alessandro Serenelli, son of a friend of her father, entered her house and tried to abuse Maria, but she resisted with all her strength and prevented herself from being abused. Then the aggressor decided to kill her and stabbed her mercilessly.⁣
⁣Maria was taken to the hospital, where she managed to receive Communion and the Anointing of the Sick. Before dying, the 11-year-old girl in agony forgave her murderer. She died on July 6, 1902.⁣
⁣Her gesture became the greatest testament of mercy for Christendom. When Alessandro purged his crime and left prison, he went repentant to Maria's mother, who also forgave him.⁣
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/maria-goretti-685

Wishing our Pastor Fr. Edmund Ugwoegbu a very happy 18th Anniversary of Ordination to the priesthood today! Many blessings to you Father! We are so grateful that you became a priest and that you are our fantastic leader here in the Woburn Catholic Collaborative! Thank you for all that you do for our two parishes each and every day. Your insightful homilies, your contagious laugh, and your overall positive outlook on life helps bring all of us closer to God. Congratulations on 18 wonderful years of priesthood! 🙏 May God continue to bless you in your ministry; ad multos annos!!! 🙏

The Collaborative Clergy and Staff wish you a very happy and blessed 4th of July! 🇺🇸🙏

God of justice, Father of truth, who guide creation in wisdom and goodness to fulfillment in Christ your Son, open our hearts to the truth of his Gospel, that your peace may rule in our hearts and your justice guide our lives. - Collect Prayer from the Mass for Independence Day