By Megan Erbacher, The Message editor
During Bishop Joseph M. Siegel’s homily at the March 8 St. Maria Goretti Youth Distinction Mass, he encouraged the 2026 honorees to always look to Maria’s examples of courage and faithfulness. As they face struggles in their lives, Bishop Siegel invited them to allow St. Maria Goretti’s simple, yet profound, faith inspire them to be strong in their commitment to Christ and the Church, to be a witness to the Lord by their service to others, and to always be grounded in their relationship with Christ by the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and by their own prayer life.
St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville hosted the 2026 St. Maria Goretti Youth Distinction Mass and awards presentation to honor 74 young people from across the diocese for their outstanding contributions to the life, mission and ministry they provide to their family, parish, school and community. Bishop Siegel celebrated Mass with nearly 20 priests of the Diocese of Evansville.
Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Sherie Cooley thanked diocesan priests, deacons, parish youth ministers, parish catechetical leaders and parish staff for the role they play in the formation of the St. Maria Goretti recipients.
Cooley noted to parents and families that the day was one of celebration. As a parent herself, she said she recognizes that they pour their heart and soul into raising their children and forming them.
“We want to get to heaven, and we want our kids there with us,” she said. “And so you make a lot of hard choices, a lot of sacrifices, in order to model your faith and set the priorities at home. And I know that is not easy. You pray for them, you set that example, so for that, thank you.”
In his homily, Bishop Siegel said St. Maria Goretti loved Jesus more than anyone or anything, including life itself. He said she carried the crosses of her life with patience, hope and a maturity level far beyond her 11 years. She couldn’t read or write, he continued, so she never read a religion book and only learned about Christ by being taught by her catechists. However, he said she knew more and lived her Catholic faith perhaps more profoundly than many theologians.
Despite having a difficult childhood growing up in dire poverty and having to work long hours to help support her family after her father died, Bishop Siegel noted that Maria was said to be a happy and joyful girl, which was rooted in her love for the Lord.
Maria believed it was a privilege to be loved by Jesus and to love him in return no matter what, Bishop Siegel said, and it was through her deep relationship with Christ that gave her the strength to stand up for her beliefs, even at risk to her life, then forgive her attacker as she lay suffering on her deathbed. Even after that, Maria continued to do God’s work, Bishop said, appearing to her attacker in prison and interceding to the Lord for his conversion.
In conclusion, Bishop Siegel congratulated the honorees and expressed that their families, parishes and the diocese are proud of them and believe they will accomplish great things in their life as they put their Catholic faith into action through whatever vocation God calls them. He offered the Lord’s blessings over them and the Lord’s guidance on them and their journey of life and faith through the prayers and intercession of St. Maria Goretti.
In speaking to the 2026 recipients, Cooley said — “saints beget saints” — and seeing 74 high school students being called out for their outstanding example of faith and service, gives her a lot of hope.
“You are all called to be saints,” Cooley said. “You exist to be saints, and you can inspire others to do the same. So many think that holiness is not possible for them. … That’s a lie.”
She challenged students to make prayer a daily, non-negotiable commitment and to stay close to God, especially in the Eucharist and Confession.
“Closeness to God is the only thing that can make you holy and truly make you happy. … In this way, you will know him and you will truly shine.”
Following Mass, Bishop Siegel presented individual awards to the 74 honorees and, as he concluded, blessed the group and thanked them again for all they have done in their families, schools, parishes and communities.