Saint Rita's life is a testament to her deep faith, as she endured numerous trials and hardships. Her unwavering faith and devotion have inspired many people around the world to turn to her intercession and guidance in times of difficulty!
Here are eight things to know and share about the life of Saint Rita of Cascia:
1) Married at a young age and had twin boys.
Her husband died during political turmoil, but her sons avoided the same fate!
2) Entered a convent after her husband's death.
She was accepted into the Augustinian Order of nuns in Cascia, Italy—the same order as Pope Leo XIV!
3) Often depicted with a wound on her forehead.
This represents a thorn from Christ’s crown. She received this wound during one of her many mystical experiences.
4) Known as a peacemaker.
She persuaded her husband to reconcile with his many enemies before his death.
5) Shortly after she died in 1457, her body was found to be incorrupt.
This means that it did not decay as expected!
6) She is buried at the Basilica of Saint Rita in Cascia, Italy.
There you can find several relics related to her life, including her wedding ring. It is said she miraculously removed it from her finger before entering the convent.
7) Canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1900.
8) Patron saint of desperate situations and impossible causes.
She is also a saint for feuding families, healing, and mothers.
Here is a special prayer for the intercession of Saint Rita:
O Holy Patroness of those in need, Saint Rita,
whose pleadings before thy Divine Lord
are almost irresistible,
who for thy lavishness in granting favors
hast been called the Advocate of the Hopeless
and even of the impossible.
Saint Rita, so humble, so pure, so mortified,
so patient and of such compassionate love
for thy Crucified Jesus,
that thou couldst obtain from Him whatsoever thou askest,
on account of which all confidently have recourse to thee expecting,
if not always relief, at least comfort;
be propitious to our petition,
showing thy power with God on behalf of thy suppliant;
be lavish to us,
as thou hast been in so many wonderful cases,
for the greater glory of God,
for the spreading of thine own devotion,
and for the consolation of those who trust in thee.
We promise, if our petition is granted,
to glorify thee by making know thy favor,
to bless and sing thy praises forever.
Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
we pray thee grant that [here mention your request].
By the singular merits of thy childhood,
Obtain for us our request.
By thy perfect union with the Divine Will,
Obtain for us our request.
By thy heroic sufferings during thy married life,
Obtain for us our request.
By the consolation thou didst experience at the conversion of thy husband,
Obtain for us our request.
By the sacrifice of thy children rather than see them grievously offend God,
Obtain for us our request.
By the miraculous entrance into the convent,
Obtain for us our request.
By thy severe penances and thrice daily bloody scourgings,
Obtain for us our request.
By the suffering caused by the wound,, thou didst receive from the thorn of thy Crucified Savior,
Obtain for us our request.
By the Divine love which consumed thy heart,
Obtain for us our request.
By that remarkable devotion to the Blessed Sacrament,
Obtain for us our request.
On which alone thou didst exist for four years,
Obtain for us our request.
By the happiness with which thou didst part from thy trials to join thy Divine Spouse,
Obtain for us our request.
By the perfect example thou gavest to people of every state of life.
Obtain for us our request.
Pray for us, O holy Saint Rita,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God,
Who in Thine infinite tenderness
hast vouchsafed to regard the prayer of Thy servant,
Blessed Rita,
and dost grant to her supplication
that which is impossible to human foresight, skill and efforts,
in reward of her compassionate love and firm reliance on Thy promise,
have pity on our adversity and succor us in our calamities,
that the unbeliever may know Thou art the recompense of the humble,
the defense of the helpless,
and the strength of those who trust in Thee,
through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer source: Catholic Crusade