Today is the Feast Day of St Maria Goretti. In 1902, Maria was just 11 years old when she was killed whilst resisting a rapist. Maria’s horrific story of suffering from the last century highlights the continuing importance of today’s commitment to Safeguarding in the Catholic Church to combat all forms of abuse – not only of children, but also of adults at risk.

Visit our Safeguarding website for more information on all aspects of Safeguarding in the Diocese of Leeds – and how to get in touch, in confidence, with our Safeguarding team via safeguarding@dioceseofleeds.org.uk. 

In addition to St Maria Goretti, there are many other ‘Safeguarding Saints’, whose Feast Days are remembered in our Events Calendar. Some of them were themselves victims and survivors of various forms of abuse, including human trafficking and domestic violence. Others are Saints to whom we can all pray to intercede for strength to bear suffering and for protection against the evils which undermine the sacred human dignity of God’s beloved children – especially the most vulnerable.

Safeguarding is Everybody’s Business – so EVERYBODY is invited to share their thoughts with us about Safeguarding in the Diocese of Leeds, in confidence, using our website’s Safeguarding Feedback Form!

St Maria Goretti: pray for us!