The Pontifical Basilica
The Pontifical Basilica of Our Lady of Grace and St. Maria Goretti. Originally called Our Lady of Grace Church it was renamed and granted Basilica status after the canonization of St. Maria Goretti.
The climate system is decades old and is no longer functional. As a result, the body of St. Maria, housed in the crypt of the Basilica, is subject to damage.
The damage caused to the mortar by the wind and salt erosion. If the mortar is not repaired, the damage to the Basilica will be irreversible.
The sea can be seen just beyond the exterior wall of the Basilica.
The House of the Martyrdom
In addition, the house in which St. Maria was martyred is also badly in need of repair. Since its restoration in 1953, by Cardinal Francis Spellman and the American Association of the Knights of Malta, it has not received any structural maintenance.
The Goretti House in the village of Le Ferriere. Maria was sitting at the top of the front stairs when Alessandro Serenelli pulled her in and, after a failed rape attempt, stabbed her 14 times.
Maria was sitting on the top step when Alessandro pulled her into the house and began his attack.
Time and the elements have taken their toll on the building.
Since its last repair in 1953, several large cracks have opened in the exterior of the building. These need to be repaired to prevent their widening.
Part of the restoration will be to seal the exterior of the building against water damage, thus preventing damage such as this.
The walls of the interior of the building will have all cracks repaired, such as this one inside St. Maria’s bedroom.