Lend with the Saints From the Mary Baggers Episode 21 Maria Goretty Thank you. Hi.

Welcome to today's episode of Lent with the Saints.

Today, I want to tell you about a little girl with a big heart named Maria Gretti.

You'll remember from yesterday that we fast during Lent to clear away anything that could distract us from Jesus. But we can

also fast from good things, making little sacrifices by taking a small break from something we like,

or by cheerfully accepting when something hard is asked

of us. Maria Goretty had a very hard life, but by staying close to Jesus, she remained joyful

and trusting and even happy. Maria Goretty lived with her mother and her brothers and sisters in Italy.

Her family was very poor.

Her father had died and her mother worked long, tiring days in the fields.

While her mother worked, Maria took care of the house. She watched her little

sisters, rocked the baby, and cooked dinner. Maria didn't ask for much. She was happy to help out,

but she did want one thing very much. She asked her mother if they could have a mass said for

her father's soul. But her mother had to say no.

Not because she didn't think it was a good idea,

but because they didn't have money to pay for an offering for the mass.

Let's listen to this moment for Maria's life

and how she responded to an unlooked-for sacrifice.

Maria, listen to me.

Your brother, Angelo and I will take your father's place in the Count's fields.

But this means I'll rely on you to watch the younger children and take over the house.

I can do that, Mama.

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