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O glorious St. Rita, thou who did share in the marvelous manner the sorrowful passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant me the grace to suffer in patience the miseries of this life and be my refuge in all my necessities. Amen.
Saint Rita of Cascia
Patron Saint of the Institution
Saint Rita of Cascia was an Italian Augustinian nun who lived in the 14th and 15th centuries. She was born in Roccaporena, Italy in 1381 and died in Cascia, Italy on May 22, 1457. Saint Rita is widely venerated as a patron saint of impossible causes, abused wives and widows, and mothers.
As a young girl, Saint Rita wanted to become a nun, but her parents arranged for her to marry a man named Paolo Mancini. Paolo was abusive towards Rita, but she remained faithful to him and prayed for his conversion. Eventually, Paolo was murdered, and Rita’s two sons died shortly after from an illness. Rita then decided to enter the convent of Saint Mary Magdalene in Cascia.
Saint Rita became known for her devotion to prayer, charity, and penance. She received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on her forehead, which remained visible for the rest of her life. She also had a vision of Christ, who gave her a crown of thorns, which she wore in secret.
Saint Rita’s reputation for holiness grew after her death, and she was canonized as a saint in 1900. Her life and works have been celebrated in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and literature.
- Prayer: Saint Rita was renowned for her devotion to prayer, which she believed was essential to a life of faith and piety. She spent long hours in prayer and meditation, and her deep faith and trust in God were an inspiration to all who knew her.
- Charity: Saint Rita was also known for her acts of charity and kindness. She was especially devoted to caring for the sick and the poor, and she spent much of her time visiting the sick and helping those in need.
- Penance: Saint Rita believed that penance was an important part of a life of faith and devotion. She practiced strict self-denial and often went without food or sleep in order to deepen her spiritual life and draw closer to God.
- Miracles: Saint Rita is widely venerated as a patron saint of impossible causes, and many people believe that she has performed miracles through her intercession. These include healings, reconciliations, and other interventions that are believed to be the result of Saint Rita's prayers and intercession.
There is nothing impossible to God.