Young people today are tempted everywhere they go, especially when navigating the internet.
It is courageous for any young person to resist the lure of sin and to lead a virtuous life.
St. Maria Goretti is a perfect example for them, as she died resisting the sexual assault of a young man who was addicted to pornography. Maria fought not only for the protection of her own innocence, but also for the soul of her attacker. Her forgiveness of him on her deathbed, and her prayers for him in heaven, converted him to a chaste life of prayer and service.
Here is a prayer to St. Maria Goretti, praying in a special way for all young people, that they may have the courage to resist temptations.
O Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God’s Grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation.
Teach us all, and especially youth, with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin.
Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of thee (pause, insert special intention here), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.
And today we celebrate...