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I Killed Maria Goretti: The Life and Repentance of Alessandro Serenelli
“I know I am not worthy of her help, yet she is to me in my darkness of sin what the bright and shining star is to the mariner, for her pardon gives me hope.” — Alessandro Serenelli
Through vivid storytelling, this historical account reveals the disturbing influences and grim motives that possessed Alessandro Serenelli, St. Maria Goretti’s murderer. Yet it is much more than a chilling tale; this true narrative is a testament of transformation and redemption — God’s mercy shining forth through the most seemingly hopeless of situations.
Just as great literature and spiritual writing have the power to transform the soul and spur it on to heroic deeds, the force of immoral prose can corrupt and even drive the soul to unspeakable deeds. In part 1 of this book, Pietro Di Donato chronicles Serenelli’s early life and addiction to licentious and anarchical publications. In part 2, Serenelli’s harrowing journey unfolds, culminating in his crime against Maria, the young girl who chose purity and forgiveness over despair. This stunning story brings to life Serenelli’s long imprisonment, his struggles with guilt, and the redemption he experienced through Maria’s saintly intercession.
In the gripping pages of this classic, you will
•How unchecked passions and sins of the mind often lead to sins of the flesh
•Reminders that the light of grace is ever present, especially in your darkest moments
•Heroic forgiveness, even from Maria’s family, for Alessandro’s heinous crime
•The healing power of God’s infinite mercy, even for the most hardened sinners
•How the intercession of a saint in your life can help you attain salvation
Alessandro’s story is not just a reflection on his ultimate repentance but an inspiring witness to the power of faith and the redemptive love of Christ. Ideal for those seeking conversion, spiritual renewal, or a deeper understanding of reconciliation, this narrative is a beacon of hope for believers and nonbelievers alike.
In constructing this searing account, Di Donato recounts his meetings with St. Maria’s sister Ersilia, friars who lived with Serenelli during the later part of his life, and Serenelli himself. Discussion questions are also included for personal and group reflection.
Through vivid storytelling, this historical account reveals the disturbing influences and grim motives that possessed Alessandro Serenelli, St. Maria Goretti’s murderer. Yet it is much more than a chilling tale; this true narrative is a testament of transformation and redemption — God’s mercy shining forth through the most seemingly hopeless of situations.
Just as great literature and spiritual writing have the power to transform the soul and spur it on to heroic deeds, the force of immoral prose can corrupt and even drive the soul to unspeakable deeds. In part 1 of this book, Pietro Di Donato chronicles Serenelli’s early life and addiction to licentious and anarchical publications. In part 2, Serenelli’s harrowing journey unfolds, culminating in his crime against Maria, the young girl who chose purity and forgiveness over despair. This stunning story brings to life Serenelli’s long imprisonment, his struggles with guilt, and the redemption he experienced through Maria’s saintly intercession.
In the gripping pages of this classic, you will
•How unchecked passions and sins of the mind often lead to sins of the flesh
•Reminders that the light of grace is ever present, especially in your darkest moments
•Heroic forgiveness, even from Maria’s family, for Alessandro’s heinous crime
•The healing power of God’s infinite mercy, even for the most hardened sinners
•How the intercession of a saint in your life can help you attain salvation
Alessandro’s story is not just a reflection on his ultimate repentance but an inspiring witness to the power of faith and the redemptive love of Christ. Ideal for those seeking conversion, spiritual renewal, or a deeper understanding of reconciliation, this narrative is a beacon of hope for believers and nonbelievers alike.
In constructing this searing account, Di Donato recounts his meetings with St. Maria’s sister Ersilia, friars who lived with Serenelli during the later part of his life, and Serenelli himself. Discussion questions are also included for personal and group reflection.
- GenresCatholic
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
6 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Pietro Di Donato
17 books15 followersPietro Di Donato was an italo-american writer and bricklayer. Born in West Hoboken in 1911 from italian immigrant parents from Vasto (Abruzzo). He had little scholar education but had a huge success with his autobiographical novel Christ in concrete published in 1939. The novel was inspired by the tragic death at work of his father, Geremia, on Good Friday's morning of 1923 when Pietro was twelve (it is stated that worker Pascal D'Angelo, later become a writer too witnessed and reported the tragic event to the family). Pietro himself became a bricklayer like his father.
Christ in concrete is based on a short story written in 1937 which was later expanded as a novel. The novel was defined "the bible of proletarian literature", and is written with a mixed language of street slang, biblical language, italian dialects and english sentence-costruction. The book, which portrayed the world of New York's Italian-American construction workers during The Great Depression, was hailed by critics in the United States and abroad as a metaphor for the immigrant experience in America, and cast Di Donato as one of the most celebrated Italian American novelists of the mid-20th century. The great success of the novel lead to a film adaptation in 1949 directed by Edward Dmytryk by the title Give Us This Day.
He also worked as a journalist and became a political activist. He published, This Woman (1958) and Three Circles of Light (1960), respectively the sequel and the prequel of his first novel. He also wrote the biographies of Francesca Saverio Gabrini, the first american saint (Immigrant Saint) and Maria Goretti, an italian girl murdered in 1902 and later canonized.
In 1978 his journalistic report about the mysterious kidnapping and murder of italian politician Aldo Moro (titled Christ in Plastic) published in Penthouse magazine won the Overseas Press Club Prize. The article was later adapted into a play entitled Moro.
Di Donato died on January 19, 1992 in Stony Brook, Long Island, with his last novel, American Gospels, still unpublished.
Christ in concrete is based on a short story written in 1937 which was later expanded as a novel. The novel was defined "the bible of proletarian literature", and is written with a mixed language of street slang, biblical language, italian dialects and english sentence-costruction. The book, which portrayed the world of New York's Italian-American construction workers during The Great Depression, was hailed by critics in the United States and abroad as a metaphor for the immigrant experience in America, and cast Di Donato as one of the most celebrated Italian American novelists of the mid-20th century. The great success of the novel lead to a film adaptation in 1949 directed by Edward Dmytryk by the title Give Us This Day.
He also worked as a journalist and became a political activist. He published, This Woman (1958) and Three Circles of Light (1960), respectively the sequel and the prequel of his first novel. He also wrote the biographies of Francesca Saverio Gabrini, the first american saint (Immigrant Saint) and Maria Goretti, an italian girl murdered in 1902 and later canonized.
In 1978 his journalistic report about the mysterious kidnapping and murder of italian politician Aldo Moro (titled Christ in Plastic) published in Penthouse magazine won the Overseas Press Club Prize. The article was later adapted into a play entitled Moro.
Di Donato died on January 19, 1992 in Stony Brook, Long Island, with his last novel, American Gospels, still unpublished.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 25, 2025
Nothing profound in the writing, but this was such an interesting read in the wake of recent political assassinations. Alessandro is able to articulate what formed his mind to justify murder, and it did not seem far off from the narrative of polarization we live in today. I appreciated reading this book during a Jubilee year because it is the essence of authentic hope; hope in the resurrection and the eternal life God offers everyone. The character development was a standout part of this book. Maria’s mother was my favorite, and I never thought I’d feel sympathetic for a murderer, but there I was feeling sorry for the guy. Overall, a recommended quick read!
June 14, 2025
This book was impossible to put down! What an inspiring true story about forgiveness and repentance! St. Maria Goretti reminds us all about what it means to forgive and Alessandro Serenelli is a reminder that God's Mercy reaches the most hardened sinner! This book was incredibly profound and heart-wrenching! From murderer to monk, Alessandro Serenelli had an incredible transformation and a change of heart because of St. Maria Goretti's intercession! Someone should make a movie out of this!
October 28, 2025
So good! Go inside the mind of a criminal and watch as God's mercy transforms him. This was not always an easy read, but it was well worth it. No one is beyond God's love and mercy. The author interviewed Alessandro in person for this book, which adds a layer of depth. Definitely a lot to ponder in this one.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews