Nine-year-old Maria Goretti was very busy every day with the cooking, washing, mending and cleaning for her mother and five brothers and sisters. The Gorettis' father had just died, and his poor widow had a very hard struggle working in the fields to support her children. But her eldest daughter, Maria, was all eagerness to help. And indeed, Maria did seem to manage all the housework, plus the care of baby Teresa! The high point of Maria's life was her First Holy Communion. For 11 months she and her brother walked to daily catechism lessons in preparation, and finally the great day arrived. The priest urged the First Communicants always to practice holy purity, even at the cost of death. But young Alessandro Serenelli, who lived with the Gorettis, had not received such good training. Instead, he spent much time reading bad papers and magazines. One fateful day when the adults were all in the fields, Alessandro tried to get Maria-now 11 years old-to sin, threatening her with a dagger. When she refused, he stabbed her 14 times. In her last hours of life, Maria forgave poor Alessandro and received Holy Communion; then her beautiful soul went home to God. Many years later, Maria was solemnly canonized by the Holy Father. Little Maria Goretti, the child who loved purity more than life itself, had become a great saint.

The beautiful, true story of the 12-year-old girl who in 1902 died a martyr to preserve her purity. Describes her virtuous life, poverty, holiness, valiant resistance, heroic death, conversion of her murderer and canonization. She saw everything through the lens of God's holy will. A wonderful example for the modern world. Impr. 33pgs, PB

Celebrate the lives of 23 of our favorite saints! Illustrated by artist Adalee Hude, each coloring page is rich with detail, reminiscent of beautiful stained-glass works of art. Make each one your own using crayons, markers, or pens, bringing the lovely images to life!

The Saints Coloring Book is a joy for teens and adults. Grab your crayons and markers: these "stained glass windows" are ready for coloring and perfect for hanging. Alongside each saint there's a brief biography that gives modern meaning to these heroic Christian men and women from history. They are sure to engage the colorist's mind and heart. The fourteen illustrations are printed on one-sided pages, making them a pleasure to display. Turn a sunny window into a cathedral-like wall of color! ** Volume 3 - the Martyrs - contains: The Crucifixion, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Anne Line, St. Charles Lwanga, St. Cristóbal Magallanes Jara, St. Edith Stein, Sts. Felicity and Perpetua, St. Joan of Arc, St. Lorenzo Ruiz, St. Lucy Yi Zhenmei, St. Maria Goretti, St. Meinrad, and St. Stephen. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

“Maria Goretti, now a Saint, was my good Angel, sent to me through Providence to guide and save me. I still have impressed upon my heart her words of rebuke and pardon. She prayed for me, she interceded for her murderer.” — Alessandro Serenelli Many people are familiar with the story of Saint Maria Goretti and her grisly murder at the age of eleven. On her deathbed, she said of her killer, “I forgive him, and I want him to be with me in heaven.” But how did her incredible forgiveness affect her murderer? While it took years, Maria’s offer of mercy eventually transformed Alessandro’s life. Alessandro’s story has never been fully told — until now. Alessandro Serenelli: A Story of Forgiveness is a captivating story of mercy and forgiveness, both given and accepted. Learn about Alessandro’s difficult childhood, the murder of Maria, his prison sentence, his conversion as a result of Maria’s intercession, and the final years of his life with a Capuchin community. Through his life story, you’ll gain a new understanding of the nature of repentance and of God’s patience and unfailing love.

Raise Your Spirits and Toast the Saints Recipe for a liturgically correct cocktail: mix Bartender’s Guide and Lives of the Saints, shake well, garnish with good cheer. Drinking with the Saintsis a concoction that both sinner and saint will savor. Michael Foley offers the faithful drinker witty and imaginative instruction on the appropriate libations for the seasons, feasts, and saints’ days of the Church year. · A guide to wine, beer, and spirits, including 38 original cocktails · Lively sketches of scores of saints, from the popular to the obscure · Tips on giving the perfect toast and on mixing the perfect drink · Even includes drinks for Lent!