Saint Rita of Cascia
Feast Day: May 22nd
Patronage: Impossible cases
I have to admit, St Rita is one of my favourite saints. She is the patron saint of impossible cases! Some sources say she is the patron of grocers and salami vendors too.
She was born in Cascia, in Italy. At an early age Rita begged her parents to allow her to join a convent. Although they were not supportive and eventually she married a man, chosen by her parents. Her husband was an evil and abusive man. Twenty years later, Rita’s husband was murdered by people who did not wish him well. Just before he died, he repented.
Rita’s two sons took the desire to avenge their father’s death, they too were full of hatred. She would constantly pray for her two sons, begging God that they would not murder another person. Both her sons died and Rita was left alone.
She then joined and worked in an Augustinian convent of nuns where she cared for the suffering. She lived a devout life, having full faith in God even when she was surrounded by evil. She fasted, prayed and did many good works and acts of penance.
One day she asked Christ to allow her to suffer just as he did, whilst mediating in front of a crucifix. Just as she prayed this one of the thorns from the crucifix pieced her forehead. The wound never healed.
One source comments that St Rita is the patron of impossible causes and is invoked against smallpox; natural calamities and women desiring to have children.
I think as young catholic mums we could all defiantly use her loving intercession!
St Rita, pray for us.
Originally posted 2014-05-20 04:13:59.