Modern martyr of purity named"St agnes of 20th century"Maria,Italian girl of12,was stabbed14 times by Alessandro,19yr boy,upon resistance of Maria to do wrong with her.After3 days on6/7/1902 Maria died kissing crucifix & holding medal of Our Lady & forgiving her murderer. She was 3rd of7children family of a farm labourer,did't attend school.At age of10 her father died!Her illiterate mother taught her catechism & received1st holy communion at11yrs.She had always a model of OBIDIENCE,of MODESTY &of PURITY& had an innate horror of offending Jesus by any sin.She walked 7miles to church.Alessandro stayed 29 yrs in prison for his crime completely converted thru'vision of little Martyr.In 1929 Maria incorrupt body was placed under altar of St Mary's Church of Netuna & she was canonised by pope Pius12 on25/6/1950 in presence with her paralysed mother.She is patron saint of Boys & Girls.U/?
Christie Alwis.