Lily Squad
Purity · Forgiveness · Faith · Canossa High School
St. Maria Goretti — Patron Saint
Patron Saint of Purity, Forgiveness & Youth · Feast Day: 6th July
Born into Simplicity
St. Maria Goretti was born on October 16th, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy. She was the third of six children. When she was 6, her family had become so poor that they were forced to give up their farm. Her father Luigi died when Maria was just 9. While her siblings worked in the fields, Maria cooked, sewed, and kept the house clean with cheerful devotion.
A Witness of Courage
On July 5th, 1902, finding 11-year-old Maria alone, Alessandro Serenelli threatened to kill her if she did not submit to him. She refused, saying it was a mortal sin. She was stabbed 14 times. Twenty hours later, Maria died — her last words were ones of forgiveness for Alessandro, wishing him to be with her in heaven.
A Light for the Ages
Alessandro was imprisoned for 30 years. In prison, he had a dream in which Maria, clothed in white, gathered lilies and offered them to him. He repented, converted, and lived as a lay brother in a Capuchin monastery — present at her canonisation in 1950. She is the patron saint of chastity, rape victims, youth, forgiveness and purity. Her story is a luminous testimony to courage, grace, and radical love.
Deepika Kumari — Sub-Patron
World No. 1 — Women's Recurve Archery · Role Model of Focus & Determination
Rising from Humble Beginnings
Deepika Kumari's story is one of perseverance and belief. Rising from humble beginnings in Ranchi, Jharkhand, she defied all limitations through sheer determination — becoming the World No. 1 archer in women's recurve and placing India proudly on the global sporting map. She took up archery at a young age, often practising with makeshift equipment, driven purely by passion and the dream of excellence.
A Champion's Spirit
A multiple gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games and Archery World Cup, her discipline and courage remind us that with faith and focus, no dream is too far. She has faced setbacks, public pressure, and the weight of national expectations — yet each time returned with quiet resolve, drawing her bow with the same humility and precision that define her character.
Aim Higher, Shine Brighter
As Sub-Patron of the Lily Squad, Deepika Kumari embodies diligence, humility and grace. Her journey from struggle to stardom encourages every student to aim higher and shine brighter — to hold their ground with grace, steady their aim with purpose, and let their deeds speak louder than words. The Lily Squad strives to emulate her focus, consistency, and perseverance to bring positive change in society.
"Focus · Consistency · Leadership — Inspiring Change with Grace"
— Deepika Kumari, World No. 1 Archer