# @plusjames on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/9xrzd1hKj9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20819306-plusjames-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/370fb1dff2.jpg
- **Posted:** 2015-11-07T08:07:37.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** James Ramos (@plusjames) — https://gondola.cc/plusjames

## Caption

Have you ever met someone for the first time, then saw that person three days in a row? At first, you're friends, it's all the small talk. Next, you greet with a warm hug, you know each other now. Then finally, you can sit in a room and not need to talk. Just knowing she's there is enough. 
Three days in a row, I've been lucky enough to cover St. Maria Goretti's tour of her major relics in Houston. Set in a wax effigy, or sculpture, are her skeletal remains. She has an incredible story of mercy. At age 11, she died after being stabbed for resisting a violent rape attempt by a 19-year-old Alessandro. And just before her death, she forgave her attacker, desiring to see him in heaven with her. Years later, she was canonized for her martyrdom at St. Peter's Square, where her mother was present as a witness. St. Maria Goretti has been attributed with many miracles. And she was 11. 
And tonight was her last day in Houston, she returns to Italy next week. After filming pilgrims from all over venerating St. Maria Goretti (I. photographed. a. saint. What?), I was drawn into a simple silence of awe. I know that pew said reserved, but I walked up the front row and sat as close as I could. And was quiet. Just knowing she was here was enough. Her simple love, inspired by the great mercy of God, was enough. 
St. Maria Goretti, pray for us. 
Oh, and the Dominican sister seen here? Her name is Sister Maria Goretti, OP. #GoodisWinning #churchhou

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## Tags

churchhou, goodiswinning

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