(circa 1890-1902)

Patron of girls, crime victims,
and parents who have lost a child

Maria was a beautiful farm girl in Italy, who died at the age of 12. She was attacked by a farm hand who tried to rape her. Maria yelled that it was a sin, but he tried to choke her into submission and stabbed her 14 times. Maria lived for two days, forgave her attacker and then died holding a crucifix and a medal of Our Lady. While in prison, her attacker had a vision of Maria as a young girl in white surrounded by lilies. When he awoke, he was truly sorry for his crime and devoted the rest of his life to God.