Saint Rita of Cascia
"Saint of the Impossible" • 1381-1457
Patron Saint of Abused and Heartbroken Wives • Lost Causes (with St. Jude) • Our Parish Protector
The Life of Saint Rita
Born Margherita Lotti in 1381 into a noble and pious family at Roccaporena, Italy
Early Life & Marriage
Born into a noble and pious family, Rita deeply desired to join a religious order from youth. However, she was dissuaded by her parents and entered into an arranged marriage at age 12 - not unusual for that time. Her wealthy husband was very abusive, with many enemies, and Rita had her first child when she was still only 12 years old. She endured his insults, physical abuse, and infidelities with patience and prayer, slowly helping him change over time.
Tragedy & Faith
Despite a historical family feud, Rita's husband believed peace had been finally agreed. However, he was tricked and stabbed to death by his enemies. Rita feared her two sons, now in their mid-teens, would seek revenge. Though they had no such intention, fate dealt them an unfortunate hand - about a year later, both sons died from dysentery. After great persistence and public reconciliation with her husband's murderers, Rita was finally allowed to enter the Augustinian Order at age 36.
The Sacred Stigmata
Image unavailable
In the convent, Rita lived a life of penance and prayer. When she was about 60 years old, while praying in front of a crucifix during Good Friday meditation, she received partial stigmata - a miraculous wound appeared on her forehead as if from a thorn of Christ's crown.
This wound remained with her for the rest of her life until her death in 1457. She became known for her intercession for impossible cases and countless miracles.
Faith
Suffering
Miracles
"Through her sacred wounds, Saint Rita shares in the passion of Christ, making her intercession especially powerful for those who suffer."
The Miracle of the Roses
Saint Rita's roses have become a symbol of hope for the impossible, blooming even in winter's despair
Saint Rita holds a rose while looking toward heaven, symbolizing her unwavering faith and trust in God's providence. Even in her darkest moments, she found beauty and hope, teaching us that miracles can bloom in the most unlikely circumstances.
Surrounded by roses in peaceful contemplation, Saint Rita shows us the serenity that comes from complete surrender to God's will. Her closed eyes reflect deep prayer and meditation, reminding us that true peace is found in communion with the Divine.
Winter Rose
On her deathbed, Rita asked for a rose from her family garden. Though it was January, her cousin found a blooming rose, defying the winter season - a sign of God's favor.
Divine Fragrance
The rose carried an extraordinary fragrance that filled the entire convent. This divine scent was a heavenly sign of Rita's sanctity and God's approval of her life.
Eternal Symbol
Today, roses blessed on Saint Rita's feast day (May 22) are distributed worldwide, continuing the tradition of seeking her intercession for impossible causes.
"The rose that bloomed in winter became the symbol of hope for all who face impossible situations."
— Saint Rita of Cascia
Saint Rita's Eternal Legacy
Incorrupt Body
Saint Rita's body remains incorrupt to this day, a miraculous sign of her holiness. Pilgrims from around the world come to venerate her relics at the Basilica in Cascia, Italy.
Feast Day - May 22
Every year on May 22nd, Catholics worldwide celebrate Saint Rita's feast day with special devotions, blessing of roses, and prayers for impossible causes.
"Rita of Cascia, pray for us!"
The Sacred Shrine of Cascia
Where pilgrims gather from around the world to venerate our beloved saint
Pray with Saint Rita
Join countless faithful who have found hope through Saint Rita's powerful intercession
Prayer to 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 didst obtain from Him the rare privilege of being wounded by a thorn from His sacred crown, we come to thee for help in our troubles and needs."
Amen.
Abused Wives
Saint Rita, having endured an abusive marriage herself, is the special patron of heartbroken and abused wives
Lost Causes
Along with Saint Jude, Saint Rita is invoked for impossible situations and hopeless cases
Family Healing
Broken families and wounded relationships are restored through her powerful prayers
Experience Saint Rita's Presence
Come and feel the peace that has blessed our sanctuary for over 25 years
Sacred Spaces
- Saint Rita Chapel: A quiet space for personal prayer and devotion to our patron saint
- Rose Garden: Beautiful garden inspired by Saint Rita's miraculous winter rose
- Stained Glass Windows: Depicting the life and miracles of Saint Rita
- Adoration Chapel: Perpetual adoration before the Blessed Sacrament
Join Our Parish Family
Whether you're facing an impossible situation, seeking spiritual growth, or looking for a welcoming community, Saint Rita's Parish welcomes you with open arms.
Weekend Masses: Saturday 6:00 PM, Sunday 6:30 AM, 8:15 AM, 9:30 AM (English)
Daily Mass: 6:45 AM
Confession: Daily 6:30 AM (Except on Sundays)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28