Have you or a loved one ever been abused, harassed, or bullied?  Are you still suffering from the long-term effects of this abuse?  Do you find yourself wondering how to reconcile your pain and heal within a Christian framework?  The St. Maria Goretti Network (MGN) may be just what you need. 

St. Maria Goretti (1890-1902) was a girl from a family of poor farmers in northern Italy. She was stabbed repeatedly by a teenage neighbor - Alessandro Serenelli - when she refused to compromise her virginity.  As she lay dying, she forgave him.  While serving time in prison for her murder, Alessandro saw St. Maria in a dream.  That vision compelled him to repent for his sins and converted his heart.  Upon release, Alessandro begged forgiveness from St. Maria's mother, Assunta.  Alessandro stood with Maria's family at her beatification in 1947, and again at her canonization in 1950.  

Founded in 2004, the St. Maria Goretti Network is a healing ministry for the survivors of all forms of abuse - physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, verbal, and neglect.  Members recognize that ANY form of abuse is evil and Jesus Christ is our true source of healing and forgiveness.  The MGN is dedicated to working with survivors of abuse and seeking justice for those who committed the abuse against them.

An informational meeting for the MGN will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 16, in the Club Room of Holy Name Cathedral.  There will be speakers as well as time for questions.  For more information about the ministry or the informational meeting, please telephone Mike Hoffman (co-facilitator) at (773) 505-4405 or go to https://mgoretti.org.

If you wish to register for this event, go to https://tinyurl.com/MGNCHICAGO0916.