By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Seventy-two youth from across the Diocese of Evansville were recognized May 4 with the 2025 St. Maria Goretti Youth Distinction.
The honorees, their families and others gathered at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville for a Mass and ceremony recognizing the 2025 recipients from 37 parishes in the diocese.
Jeremy Goebel, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Evansville, said the recipients were honored during the ceremony because people in their community see them as someone special and someone who is set apart from the others.
“What specifically sets you apart? The way that your life exudes the gospel,” Goebel said. “There’s something special about your life, whether it be attendance at Mass or other retreats or just the way you serve. The way you carry yourself. Your kindness, your virtue, your humility. And there’s something about that that deserves to be recognized.”
In his homily during the Mass, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel said St. Maria Goretti is a powerful example of reconciliation in action, as we are told that on her deathbed, she expressed forgiveness of her attacker and the hope that one day she would see him in heaven. In this and so many ways, St. Maria Goretti is an outstanding example for young people and for this reason, the diocesan youth distinction is named for her, Bishop Siegel said.
Bishop Siegel said although she was not yet 12 years old when she died, St. Maria Goretti already had a strong, mature personality formed by the religious education she received in the family. This enabled her to defend her own person, her own chastity and to remain faithful to her Christian identity, even to death, he said.
Goebel said “the heroic actions of St. Maria Goretti” came not just in the moment she forgave her attacker but it no doubt came in deep prayer and trust to the Lord.
“God loves you. Jesus Christ has a heart that’s burning for you,” Goebel said. “And the only way to reach your full potential is to be united to him entirely. Don’t be afraid to give everything to the Lord. And then to listen with humility as to where he might be calling you.”
Bishop Siegel said Maria Goretti’s life proclaims the radical choice of the gospel. She is a powerful example to the youth distinction recipients, who are the hope of the church and really, humanity.
Bishop Siegel said walking in the footsteps of Jesus always means standing up for him and committing to following him wherever he goes and leads us. He stressed on this path, they are never alone. St. Maria Goretti and all the many holy youth, who through the centuries have been faithful to Christ and even paid the price for their allegiance to the gospel, stand beside them to intercede for them, pray for them and instill in their hearts the strength and courage they need to remain firm in their fidelity to Christ and the Church, he said.
The purpose of the St. Maria Goretti Youth Distinction is to recognize young people for their outstanding faith, service and dedication to the mission of the Catholic Church in their local community. The distinction is meant to recognize youth and encourage them on their path to holiness. The award is eligible for any high school student who actively strives to live out their Catholic faith, although it is recommended that parishes honor high school juniors and seniors.
During the presentation, the recipients received their award from Bishop Siegel. After each honoree was recognized, Bishop Siegel prayed a blessing over the recipients.
Bishop Siegel was the main celebrant for the Mass. Ten diocesan priests concelebrated the Mass. Transitional Deacon Aaron Herrenbruck assisted during the Mass.