On May 22, the Catholic Church honors Saint Rita of Cascia, one of the most beloved saints known for her patience, forgiveness, and trust in God during great suffering.
Saint Rita was born in Italy in the 14th century. As a young woman, she desired to become a nun, but instead entered into marriage according to her family’s wishes. Her husband was known to be difficult and violent, yet Rita responded with prayer, kindness, and patience. Through her faith and love, her husband eventually experienced conversion before his death.
After losing her husband and children, Rita later entered the Augustinian convent where she dedicated the rest of her life to prayer, penance, and devotion to Christ.
Saint Rita is especially remembered for her deep union with the suffering of Jesus. According to tradition, she received a wound on her forehead resembling one of the thorns from Christ’s crown during prayer before a crucifix.
Because of the many impossible situations she endured with faith, Saint Rita became known as the patron saint of impossible causes.
Her life reminds us that with God, no suffering is wasted and no situation is beyond hope.
Prayer
Saint Rita of Cascia, faithful servant of God and patroness of impossible causes, pray for us, that we may trust in God during trials, forgive those who hurt us, and never lose hope in His mercy and love. Amen.
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