St. Rita of Cascia

St. Rita Biography

Early life

St. Rita of Cascia is a Catholic saint from the 14th century. She is also known as St. Rita of the Broken Thorn, and is the patron saint of impossible causes, abused women, and lonely people.

Rita was born in 1381 in the small town of Roccaporena, near Cascia, Italy. From a young age, she felt a calling to the religious life, but her parents arranged for her to marry a wealthy but violent man. Despite the difficulties of her marriage, Rita was known for her kindness and patience, and she is said to have been able to heal her husband with her prayers. After her husband’s death, Rita’s two sons also died, and she was left alone.

Following the death of her family, Rita decided to enter the Augustinian convent of St. Mary Magdalene in Cascia, where she became known for her devotion and holiness. She is said to have had the gift of miracles, and many stories of healings and other miraculous events are attributed to her.

One of the most well-known stories about Rita is that of the miracle of the roses. According to legend, Rita had a vision of her husband and sons in heaven, holding out a crown of roses to her. The next day, a gardener brought her a basket of roses that had grown on a thorn bush in her husband’s tomb, and the thorns had been transformed into roses. From then on, St. Rita became known as the “Saint of the Impossible” and many people invoked her intercession in difficult and seemingly impossible situations.

Rita died in 1457 and was buried in the church of the Augustinian convent in Cascia, where her tomb remains to this day. Her cult spread rapidly, and in the centuries that followed, many miracles were attributed to her intercession. She was canonized in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII, and her feast day is celebrated on May 22nd.

St. Rita has a particular connection to those who have suffered abuse, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. People often pray to her for protection and healing from abuse and to help them find the courage to forgive their abusers.

She is also venerated as a powerful intercessor for those experiencing difficult marriages and for those seeking to reconcile with estranged family members. Additionally, She is also considered a patron saint of unhappy marriages and parenthood, and invoked by people who suffer infertility and childlessness.

St. Rita is often depicted holding a thorny rosebush and a cross. Her symbols also include roses and the crucifix.

The Life of St. Rita of Cascia

“Saint Rita of Cascia, “the advocate of the hopeless” was born on May 22, 1381 at Rocca Porrena, a town about two miles from Cascia. Her parents, Antonio and Amata Mancina, were called the “Peacemakers of Christ” for their successful efforts in reconciling enemies and settling disputes. St. Rita was baptized in the Church of Santa Maria in Cascia four days after her birth. When she was brought home and laid in her cradle, and fast asleep, a swarm of bees surrounded her and entered her mouth. Miraculously, she was not injured.

Vocation of Marriage

As Saint Rita grew up, she desired a life of union with God, so her parents fitted up a little room in their home as an oratory, where she spent all her spare moments. At the age of twelve, however, she desired to devout herself to God as a nun. Though her parents were pious, they pleaded St. Rita to postpone her noble purpose prevailed on Rita, and they gave her in marriage, at the age of eighteen, to an impulsive, short-tempered young man, who tested St. Rita’s patience and virtue. St. Rita bore two sons, each inheriting their father’s irritable temperament. Rita continued her accustomed devotions, and her sanctity and prayers finally won her husband’s heart so that he willingly consented that she continue her acts of devotion.

Vocation of Religious Life

Eighteen years into her marriage, St. Rita’s husband was murdered by an old enemy. Both of her sons died shortly after. Rita’s desire to consecrate herself to God again took possession of her. Three times, she sought admittance among the Augustinian Nuns in Cascia, but her request was refused each time, and she returned to her home in Roccaporena. God Himself, however, supported her cause. One night as Rita was praying earnestly in her humble home, she heard herself called by name, while someone knocked at the door. In a miraculous way, she was led through the entrance of the monetary, though no door had been opened. Astonished at the miracle, the Nuns received Rita, and soon enrolled her among their number.

The Thorn

St. Rita’s hidden, simple life in religion was distinguished by obedience and charity; she performed many extreme penances. After hearing a sermon on the Passion of Christ, she returned to her room; kneeling before her crucifix, she implored: “Let me, my Jesus share in Thy suffering, at least of one of Thy thorns”. Her prayer was answered. Suddenly one of the thorns detached from the crucifix and fastened itself in her forehead so deeply that she could not remove it. The wound became worse, and gangrene set in. Because of the foul odor emanating from the wound, she was denied the companionship of the other Sisters; this continued for fifteen years. Miraculous power was soon recognized in St. Rita. When Pope Nicholas IV proclaimed a jubilee at Rome, Saint Rita desired to attend. Permission was granted on condition that her wound would be healed, and it her wound became healed. However, this only lasted for the duration of the trip. Upon her return to the monastery the wound from the thorn reappeared, and remained until her death.

Death

As St. Rita was dying, she requested a relative to bring her a rose from her old home at Rocca Porrena. Although it was not the season for roses, the relative went and found a rose in full bloom. For this reason roses are blessed in the Saint’s honor. After St. Rita’s death, in 1457, her face became beautifully radiant, and the odor from her wound transformed to be as fragrant as the roses she loved so much. The sweet odor spread through the convent and into the church, where it has continued ever since. Her body has remained incorrupt to this day; the face is beautiful and well preserved.

When St. Rita died, her lowly room glowed with heavenly light, while the great bell of the monastery rang by itself. A relative with a paralyzed arm, upon touching the sacred remains, was cured. A carpenter, who had known the Saint, offered to make the coffin. Immediately, he recovered the use of his long stiffened hands. As one of the solemn acts of his Jubilee, Pope Leo XIII canonized St. Rita on the Feast of the Ascension, May 24, 1900. 

Popular St. Rita Medal and St. Rita Rosary

Prayers to St. Rita

    Prayer of Intercession to St. Rita

O powerful Saint Rita, you are called Saint of the Impossible. In this time of need, I come to you with confidence. You know my trials, for you yourself were many times burdened in this life. Come to my help, pray with me, intercede on my behalf before the Father. I know that God has a most generous heart and that he is most loving Father. Join your prayer to mine and obtain for me the grace I desire.

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Novena Prayer to St. Rita

O holy protectress of those who are in greatest need, you who shine as a star of hope in the midst of darkness, blessed Saint Rita, bright mirror of God’s grace, in patience and fortitude you are a model of all the states in life. I unite my will with the will of God through the merits of my Savior Jesus Christ, and in particular through his patient wearing of the crown of thorns, which with tender devotion you did daily contemplate. Through the merits of the holy Virgin Mary and your own graces and virtues, I ask you to obtain my earnest petition, provided it be for the greater glory of God and my own sanctification. Guide and purify my intention, O holy protectress and advocate, so that I may obtain the pardon of all my sins and the grace to persevere daily, as you did in walking with courage, generosity, and fidelity down the path of life. [Mention your request.]

Saint Rita, advocate of the impossible, pray for us.

Saint Rita, advocate of the helpless, pray for us.

Prayer to St. Rita of Cascia

Dear St. Rita of Cascia, I turn to you today in need of your intercession and guidance. You are known as the saint of the impossible, and I pray that you will help me in my time of need. I trust in your love and care, and I know that you will always be with me.

Please give me the strength and courage I need to face life’s challenges, and help me to always be a true witness to the love and grace of God. And may I always be guided by your wisdom and grace, walking in the light of the Lord. Amen.

A prayer for the Healing of St. Rita of Cascia

Dear St. Rita of Cascia, I ask for your healing touch today. I pray for your help in overcoming the physical and emotional pains that I am facing. I trust in your loving care, and I know that you will be with me always.

Please give me the strength I need to endure, and the courage to face life’s challenges with grace and hope. And may I always be a witness to the love and mercy of God, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks light. Amen.

A prayer for the Protection of St. Rita of Cascia

Dear St. Rita of Cascia, I ask for your protection today. You are known as the saint of the impossible, and I pray that you will be with me always, watching over me and guiding me on my journey.

Please give me the strength and courage I need to face life’s challenges, and help me to always be a true witness to the love and grace of God. And may I always be protected by your loving care, walking in the light of the Lord. Amen.

St. Rita of Cascia: Patron Saint of Impossible Causes and Marriage Difficulties

St. Rita of Cascia is a well-known and beloved saint in the Catholic Church, known for her deep faith, her devotion to God, and her unwavering commitment to living a life of holiness.

St. Rita is the patron saint of impossible causes and marriage difficulties. This designation reflects her own difficult life, as well as her ability to bring hope and comfort to those who are facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

As the patron saint of impossible causes, St. Rita is revered for her unwavering faith and her belief that all things are possible with God. Whether facing difficult health problems, financial difficulties, or other challenges, people have long turned to St. Rita for guidance and comfort, and believe that her intercession can bring about miracles and help turn the tide of even the most hopeless situations.

St. Rita is also the patron saint of marriage difficulties, and is seen as a powerful advocate for those who are struggling with the challenges of married life. Whether facing disagreements, infidelity, or other problems, many people turn to St. Rita for help and guidance, and believe that her intercession can help restore harmony and bring peace to troubled marriages.

Whether we are facing difficult challenges in our own lives, or simply seeking to help others who are struggling, St. Rita of Cascia is there to offer her help and guidance. Through her intercession, and her powerful example, she reminds us of the power of faith, the importance of perseverance, and the hope that is always available to us through God’s love and grace.

Reflection on the feast day of St. Rita of Cascia

The feast day of St. Rita of Cascia is May 22nd.

St. Rita of Cascia was a 14th century Augustinian nun, known for her devotion to God, her humility and her willingness to forgive. She is also known as the “Saint of the Impossible” as her intercession is often invoked in difficult and seemingly impossible situations. As we celebrate her feast day, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of devotion, humility, and forgiveness.

One of the most striking aspects of St. Rita’s life was her devotion to God. She dedicated her life to God and lived a life of prayer and contemplation. Her example reminds us that true devotion to God is not just about attending Mass or saying prayers, but about making God the center of our lives and making Him our top priority.

Another important aspect of St. Rita’s life was her humility. She was a woman of great humility, and her humility was a reflection of her closeness to God. As we celebrate her feast day, we are called to imitate her example and to learn to be humble in all aspects of our lives. Humility is a virtue that allows us to better understand and accept God’s will in our lives.

St. Rita’s story also teaches us the importance of forgiveness. She was a woman who suffered greatly in her life, but she never lost her ability to forgive. She always tried to find a way to forgive those who had wronged her, even when it seemed impossible. Her ability to forgive reminds us that forgiveness is a key to inner peace and that by forgiving others, we open ourselves up to God’s forgiveness.

In conclusion, let us take inspiration from St. Rita’s life, and strive to live a life of devotion, humility, and forgiveness. May we too be a source of hope and guidance to those around us, just as St. Rita was in her time, and may her intercession be a help to us in difficult and seemingly impossible situations.

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Also check out our handmade St. Rita of Cascia Medal and St. Rita of Cascia Rosary and St. Rita of Cascia Rosary Bracelet .