Several years ago, a photograph of St. Maria Goretti was found. The grainy image depicts a young woman, standing between two boys amidst a flock of what appear to be geese.
The photo was the fruit of what appears to have been a century-long search (the story on how it was identified is found here, but the article is in Italian.)
A priest friend of mine in Ontario, Canada, was intrigued by this find. He writes:
A friend posted an article from a Catholic family-oriented magazine reporting the recent discovery of the only known photograph of the virgin-martyr, St Maria Goretti. And here is what I call an actual photograph of supernatural fraternal charity: the mother of Maria Goretti (or Marietta as she was known) and the murderer of the girl.
This priest had been on a hunt of his own for a photograph of another saint: the Cure d’ Ars:
About three years ago I came across an issue of Inside the Vatican and it had a photograph of St Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney. Since the various biographers say that no such photo exists, but only one taken after death, I thought that perhaps it was really the photo of an actor who had portrayed the Saint. I didn’t get an answer to questions sent to the publication. Then one day I was searching on google.fr, the French version, and had the idea to type in “archives” and “Jean Vianney”.
What he found was this:
Father continues:
He sure looks thin enough. The original liturgical prayer, softened for “modern man” in 1969, spoke of his extraordinary “prayer and penance”. For a long time he cooked potatoes once a week and lived off them, until his doctor ordered him to have daily glass of milk. His eyes look gentle yet piercing. Fr Vianney had the gift of cardiognosis: the reading of hearts. It is a gift of Providence that we can look at the saint’s face.
Alas, Father then discovered that the photograph is not exactly authentic. The saintly patron of Parish Priests was, in fact, notorious for not wanting any likeness of himself to be made – such was his humility. He was rumored to have been upset at someone who drew his portrait. As such, he never permitted himself to be photographed.
But on the centenary of his death in 1959, lacking any sure guide to his appearance, a request was made by a “priestly Session” (la Session sacerdotale) to have a composite photo constructed from mortuary photographs, as well as other elements. A forensic science team worked together to accomplish the task, providing the above image.
It is a compelling visage, and one that immediately appears human and authentic. How a composite of photos taken after death could express the gentle kindness and goodness visible in that gaunt face, in those eyes, I suppose will forever be a mystery.
I have been to Ars, and though the Cure’s body is said to be incorrupt, his face has been cast in a wax mask, so it is impossible to see his true features.
What do you think? Could this be the real face of one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church?
A priest face you could love. I’d have lined up outside his confessional as often as possible.
It would be wonderful if it was, but I guess we’ll never know. It is fascinating to see St. Maria Goretti, whose relics visited the US this past year. I can attest to the influence of St. Maria Goretti as an intercessor and am happy to do so. She interceded for two family members, both gravely ill, who have since recovered and are restored to health. Many thanks, St. Maria Goretti! We will never forget you.
I forgot to mention the murderer, whom St. Maria Goretti said she hoped would be with her in heaven. His name was Alessandro Serenelli, and he converted from a hardened criminal to a very pious man who lived in a monastery or friary until his death. He can be asked for intercession as well, and we did. Thank you Alessandro Serenelli! The priest who is in charge of St. Maria Goretti’s relics is, I believe, trying to further the cause for Allesandro.
I am helped tremendously by the intercession of St. Maria Goretti.
I think that posing the possibility makes the face seem haunting (terrible word, sorry.)
There is a mysterious sort of set of layers of emotions. Concern, joy, compassion and more. There is a complexity there that you don’t often see.
It is certainly a striking face.
Thanks Steve. This works for me and hopefully others. By the look on his face the Cure sure knew what was happening in the world but had the hope and love to contend with it.
Oh, yes, it’s got to be him! The compassion, the tenderness, and peace of soul are all mirrored in that joyful face. Amazing.
St. John Vianney was my patron saint when I was professed in the Secular Franciscan Order. But it was my late husband, not me, who made it on a pilgrimage to Ars. And we named our first grandson after the Cure.
I also painted an alkyd picture of St. John Vianney (based on his statue at Lourdes) which was blessed by Fr. George Rutler, author of the wonderful book, “The Cure of Ars Today” when he came to SF. Fr. Rutler complemented me on it (I did not know at that time that he was a painter.) I was so happy to show it around.
I hope Fr. Rutler will see the picture above. I’m sure he’d be very thrilled.
Saint John Vianney, pray for us! Saint John Vianney, pray for all priests!
I thought I’d seen a picture many years ago of Maria Goretti as a small child of age five or so. It may have been in one of the Modern Saints volumes by Ann Ball. I’ll have to go see if I can find it again.