The exuberant reaction of Catholic youth to the election of Pope Benedict XVI was remarkable.  When he walked out to the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, their enthusiasm was stunning!  Young people inherently sense that our new Holy Father will lead them to Jesus Christ in truth.  They have had their fill of mushy, murky ambiguities and senseless sentimentalities.  Only the rich fare of Catholic faith will satiate their thirsting souls. “I will go unto the altar of God; God who gives joy to my youth” (Psalm 42).
   

    The Church becomes increasingly aware that our young can achieve heroic sanctity.  In modern times, we have had outstanding examples of young saints.  Giants, indeed, were Saints Bernadette Soubirous and Therese of Lisieux.  Saint Dominic Savio was only fifteen when the Lord called him from this life.  His courageous motto was: "Death rather than sin." Under the motherly care of Our Lady of Fatima, Blessed Jacinta and Francisco soared to the heights of sanctity.  These young saints shared one abiding trait, a profound love for the Most Blessed Sacrament.  This was remarkably true of Maria Goretti.  She was twelve when she was martyred defending her purity.
   

    Born in 1890, Maria lived with her family on a farm near Nettuno, Italy.  Early in life, she formed the habit of frequent Confession and Communion.  Maria showed her profound respect for the Eucharist on her First Communion Day.  After Mass, she heard a classmate tell an indecent joke.  Appalled, she said: "How could you so soon forget Jesus?  I would rather die than talk of such things."  Maria understand clearly the Pauline imperative: "Sexual immorality and lust of any kind must not be even mentioned among you!  It offends your holiness" (Eph 5:3).
   

    Nothing suggested the heights of heroism to which Our Blessed Lord would soon call Maria.  When her tempestuous trial came, she was prepared.  The Bread of Life had fortified her.
   

    Nineteen-year-old Alessandro Serenelli’s family shared a farmhouse with the Goretti family.  One day, he whispered an appalling suggestion to Maria.  He wanted her to commit a terrible sin.  Maria could hardly believe her ears. Our heroine’s reply was instant and emphatic: "No!  No!  It is a sin!  I will not commit a sin!" 
     

    Lust, however, held Alessandro captive and he persisted in making his immoral advances. The budding saint's response remained constant: "No! No! It is a sin!"  Yet, fear now filled her heart.
   

    One afternoon, Maria was at home doing her chores, alone. When Alessandro entered, the terrified youngster realized the danger.  She was trapped!  "Now," Alessandro demanded!  Futilely, Maria tried to escape.  Flashing a knife, Alessandro gave Maria a horrifying ultimatum: "Now! Or, I will kill you!"
   

    Fortified by the grace of the Eucharistic Jesus, Maria resisted the outrage.  At peril for her life, she insisted: "No! I will not!  It is a sin.  God forbids it."  In a rage filled fury, Alessandro plunged the blade into Maria's body fourteen times.  She fell to the floor, dying. 
    Hours later, her horrified parents found her in a pool of blood.  At her mother's insistence, Maria identified her assailant: "It was Alessandro, Mama.  He wanted me to do a terrible thing.  But, I did not want to commit a sin."
   

    As Maria lay dying in the hospital, a priest heard her confession before she received Jesus in Holy Viaticum. Our Eucharistic Lord, who had strengthened Maria through her terrible trial, now would accompany her on her passage to Heaven. 
    Before dying, Maria gave the Church another example of Christian heroism. United with her Eucharistic Friend, she said to her mother: "Mama! I forgive Alessandro. I pray that one day he will be with me in Heaven."  With those words, the saint died.
   

    Saint Maria Goretti chose death rather than compromise her purity in the slightest. Her response to Alessandro’s lust echoes the Church’s unwavering response to the immorality of the pagan world.  The virgin martyr’s cry penetrates the metal of the ages with the authority of a saint: "NO!  NO! IT IS A SIN!"
   

    On June 24, 1950, Pope Pius XII bestowed upon Maria the Church’s highest.  Referring to her as "the sweet little martyr of purity," Pius proclaimed Maria Goretti a saint and the Patroness of Youth.  The Church celebrates her feast on July 6. 
   

    Our youth desperately need role models who they can imitate.  Saint Maria Goretti put God first, always! She chose death rather than compromise her purity.  For love of Jesus Christ, she said, "No," at the cost of her life!

       
    The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, coupled with frequent Confession and Communion, must nourish our youth constantly.  Pope Benedict XVI has said emphatically: “Open wide the door to Jesus Christ!  He takes nothing from our freedom.  He gives us everything!”  Maria did precisely this.  Disciples of the Lord, youth of all ages, must strive to do the same.  Saint Maria Goretti, Patroness of Youth, pray for us!