Alessandro Serenelli was 20 years old when he stabbed Maria Goretti. While serving his sentence in prison, Alessandro had a dream of Maria with 14 lilies (one for each wound). This moved him and caused his conversion. After serving his prison sentence, he joined the Capuchin Franciscan friary, as a lay associate.

Alessandro’s spiritual testament was found in a closed envelope when he died, and is dated May 5.

This letter is a great advice for all, specially for our youth, to hold on to and follow the commandments of the Lord, to guard the gifts of purity, modesty and chastity much more than any other earthly passing treasure.

A steady prayer life, following the Lord’s commandments, good reads from the life of saints and a good peer circle will help them stay pure, holy and follow their God given calling. With the Lord’s help, they will be strong.

I recognize that, in my early youth, I went down a false path: the way of evil, which led me to ruin. I saw the world through the news, entertainment, and bad examples that most young people follow without giving them a thought

– Alessandro Serenelli

Spiritual testament of Alessandro Serenelli

I am almost 80 years old, and near the end of my days. Looking back on the past, I recognize that, in my early youth, I went down a false path: the way of evil, which led me to ruin. I saw the world through the news, entertainment, and bad examples that most young people follow without giving them a thought: I didn’t think about it either. There were people of religious faith and practice near me, but I didn’t pay them any heed, blinded by a brute force that impelled me down a bad road. At the age of 20, I committed a crime of passion, the mere memory of which horrifies me today. Maria Goretti, now a saint, was the good angel that Providence placed ahead of my steps to save me. I still bear, engraved upon my heart, her words of reproach and forgiveness. She prayed for me; she interceded for her murderer. Thirty years of prison followed. Had I not been under-aged, I would have been condemned for life. I accepted the sentence I had earned, with resignation: I understood that I was guilty.
Little Maria was truly my light, my protector; with her help, I behaved well during those 27 years of prison, and I sought to live honestly when society accepted me again among its members. The sons of St. Francis, the Capuchins Minor of Marche, welcomed me among them with seraphic charity, not as a servant, but as a brother. I have been living with them for 24 years. And now, with serenity, I await the moment of being admitted to the vision of God, of embracing my loved ones again, of being near my protecting angel and her dear mother, Assunta. May those who will read this letter of mine learn the happy lesson of fleeing from evil and always following what is good, right from their childhood. Think of religion, with its precepts, not as something you can do without; rather, it is true consolation, the only safe path in all circumstances—even the most sorrowful ones in our lives. Peace and goodness to you!


Alessandro Serenelli