Italian laywoman and devout Catholic who was brutally murdered in 1957 while resisting an attempted rape on her way home from work.
Pierina Morosini was a devout Italian laywoman known for her deep faith, purity, and dedication to serving others, particularly through her work with Catholic Action. Born in 1931 in Bergamo, Italy, she grew up in a humble and hardworking family, balancing her duties as a factory worker with an active spiritual life. From an early age, she exhibited a strong devotion to the Eucharist, the Virgin Mary, and a calling to religious life, though family responsibilities prevented her from entering a convent. Instead, she embraced her daily work as a path to holiness, seeking to serve God in every aspect of her life.
On April 4, 1957, at the age of 26, Pierina was attacked while returning home from work by a man who attempted to assault her. Refusing to surrender her purity, she fiercely resisted, and as a result, she was brutally beaten and left for dead. She succumbed to her injuries the following day, offering her suffering to God in a final act of faith and love. Her heroic defense of chastity and unwavering commitment to virtue led to widespread recognition of her sanctity.
Pierina was declared a martyr and was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 4, 1987. She is celebrated as a model of purity, courage, and steadfast faith, especially for young people striving to live out Christian values in a challenging world.