St. Rita of Cascia

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Saint Details

St. Rita of Cascia, born in 1381, was an Italian widow and nun known as the Patroness of Impossible Causes. Despite a difficult marriage and personal tragedy, she became a symbol of forgiveness and deep faith. She joined the Augustinian convent and was blessed with mystical experiences. Her incorrupt body rests in Cascia.

St. Rita of Cascia was born in the small village of Roccaporena, near Cascia in Umbria, Italy, in 1381. From a young age, she felt called to religious life, but in obedience to her parents, she married a man named Paolo Mancini. Her marriage was not easy; her husband was known for his harsh temper and involvement in local feuds. Nevertheless, Rita lived with kindness, patience, and unwavering faith, eventually softening her husband’s heart with her virtues. After nearly two decades of marriage, Paolo was murdered in a vendetta.

Following his death, Rita’s two sons, consumed by the desire for revenge, were determined to continue the family feud. Rita, however, turned to prayer, asking God to prevent her sons from committing violence. Her prayers were answered in a sorrowful way—both boys died of natural causes, but their souls were spared from sin. Having lost her entire family, Rita devoted herself more fully to Christ.

She sought to join the Augustinian convent in Cascia but was initially denied due to her status as a widow from a family involved in violence. According to tradition, she was miraculously transported into the convent one night through the intercession of three patron saints—St. John the Baptist, St. Augustine, and St. Nicholas of Tolentino. This event convinced the nuns to finally accept her.

Rita spent the next 40 years in prayer, contemplation, and service within the convent. She became known for her charity, deep humility, and mystical union with Christ. One day while meditating on the Passion of Christ, she asked to share in His suffering. A thorn from the crown of Christ appeared on her forehead, creating a painful wound that she bore for the rest of her life. This wound isolated her from others but deepened her spiritual life.

In her final years, she endured long illness and suffering but remained steadfast in her devotion. Before her death in 1457, she asked for a rose from her childhood garden, which miraculously bloomed in the winter. For this reason, roses and figs are often associated with her iconography. Her body, found incorrupt years after her death, is enshrined in a glass coffin at the Basilica of St. Rita in Cascia.

St. Rita was canonized by Pope Leo XIII on May 24, 1900. She is venerated worldwide as the patroness of impossible causes, difficult marriages, and abused wives. Her legacy of forgiveness, faith, and perseverance continues to inspire millions to this day.

Feast Day

22-5-

Birth Date

-5-1381

Died Date

22-5-1457

Canonised Date

24-5-1900

Basilica of Saint Rita of Cascia, Cascia, Italy

St. Rita, Patron of impossible causes, Pray for us to trust in God’s mercy. Help us to endure suffering with faith And follow Christ’s example of love and forgiveness. Amen.
ST. RITA OF CASCIA

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ST. RITA OF CASCIA

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