Born in Corinaldon, Italy on the 16th of October 1890, at 9 ½ years of age her father died of malaria, leaving her mother alone and with children to bring up. Worried about how she was going to cope, Marietta would often assure her mother “Do not worry, the Lord will look after us. You will see, we will do it. You take the place of father in the fields and I will try look after the house.”

Growing up, Marietta understood very well the presence of God in her life and would often quote her father’s phrase “God sees and provides.” She took care of her brothers and sisters, showing great love and compassion for her siblings.

Her family shared the same house as Giovanni and Alessandro Serenelli, father and son, both of whom were hardworking people. Being 8 years his junior, Marietta was like the young sister Alessandro never had, however as the years went by Alessandro began to look at Marietta in a different way and was not shy in letting his thoughts and feelings be known to her. Marietta on the other hand rejected his advances declaring to Alessandro that “God did not want this. It is a sin." A persistent Alessandro however ignored the words of Marietta and continued to make advances on

On the afternoon of the 5th of July 1902 whilst working, Alessandro spotted Marietta alone sitting on the steps of the house. Using the occasion to seize the opportunity, Alessandro entered the house, found a spear and dragged Marietta into the house.

Alessandro, although a grown man of 20 years, was forced to use all his strength however the young and fragile Marietta fought to keep him off, declaring to him “No Alessandro, you will go to hell, you will destroy yourself.” Marietta from her heart wanted the best for Alessandro and did everything to try to make him realise that what he was doing was bad. Alessandro finally grabbed the spear and hit her fourteen times.
Marietta attracted the attention of her young sister Teresa and was taken to the hospital in Nettuno where she endured a two-hour operation, without anaesthetic.

During the visit of her mother to the hospital the following day Marietta, always concerned about her siblings asked if they were OK and reassured her mother that she was feeling a little better.
Before dying, Marietta’s confessor came to see her. He asked her if she had forgiven Alessandro. Always wishing the best for Alessandro, she declared “With all my heart, I forgive him. I want him with me in Heaven.” Marietta died just after 3pm. So just like Jesus, she forgave before dying. It was clear that Marietta was a saint.

Alessandro wanted to change his life. He applied and joined the Capuchin community and would spend the rest of his life in the convent. In his final years he experienced poor health and was transferred to the infirmary in Macerata where he died in 1970 aged 88 years. He always said that the pardon of Marietta had saved him, it had transformed him.