Up for sale is a vintage Catholic reliquary pendant case featuring Saint Maria Goretti (labeled "Maria Goretti V.M." for Virgo et Martyr).
The story of Saint Maria Goretti (Maria Goretti V.M., standing for Virgo et Martyr, or "Virgin and Martyr") is a central narrative of mercy, purity, and forgiveness in the Catholic tradition:
Early Life & Hardship
Born into a poor farming family in Italy in 1890, Maria moved with her family to the marshlands near Nettuno. After her father died of malaria when she was just nine years old, her mother, Assunta, worked long hours in the fields to support the family. Young Maria took on the domestic household duties, caring for her five siblings and cooking for their neighbors, the Serenellis—an older father and his 20-year-old son, Alessandro.
The Attack
In 1902, 11-year-old Maria was repeatedly harassed by Alessandro Serenelli. She rebuffed his inappropriate advances, warning him that his actions were a mortal sin. On July 5, 1902, while Maria was home mending clothes, Alessandro pulled her into a room and attempted to rape her. Maria fought back fiercely, shouting, "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!" Enraged by her refusal, Alessandro stabbed her 14 times with an awl/file.
Heroic Forgiveness and Death
Maria was taken to a hospital where she survived for 20 hours. Before succumbing to her wounds on July 6, 1902, she explicitly forgave her killer, stating, "I forgive Alessandro Serenelli... and I want him with me in heaven forever."
Conversion and Canonization
Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Unrepentant at first, he later reported a vivid dream in prison where Maria appeared in a garden and handed him 14 white lilies (symbolizing her stabs and her purity), which burned into gentle flames. This vision led to his total repentance and spiritual conversion.
Upon his release, Alessandro visited Maria's mother to beg for forgiveness, which she granted. In 1950, Pope Pius XII canonized Maria Goretti as a saint. Her mother and Alessandro Serenelli both attended the ceremony—making Assunta Goretti the first mother in history to see her own child canonized.
Design & Details:
- Casing: Heavy brass/bronze scrollwork frame with an original protective glass lens and solid metal rear backing.
- Interior Display: Features a central relic secured under thin gold-tone mounting prongs, set over crossed palm fronds (symbolizing martyrdom) and a patterned background with floral motifs representing purity.
- Labeling: Original printed text reads "Maria Goretti V.M."
- Attachment: Integrated top suspension loop intact for chain or display attachment.
Condition:
Vintage, pre-owned condition. Shows light natural patina and wear on the scrollwork frame consistent with age. Glass lens is intact and clear. Please review all high-resolution photos carefully for exact physical condition.
Note: This listing is for the historical reliquary case and container.
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