What is St. Rita Known for?
St. Rita of Cascia (1381–1457) is one of the Church’s most beloved saints, often called the Patroness of Impossible Causes. Born in Roccaporena, Italy, she longed for a religious life but was married at a young age to a harsh and violent man. Through her patience, kindness, and prayer, she eventually brought peace to her difficult marriage. After her husband’s tragic death and the death of her two sons, Rita entered the Augustinian convent in Cascia, where she lived a life of deep prayer, penance, and charity.
She is especially known for receiving a partial stigmata—a wound on her forehead resembling the crown of thorns—while meditating on Christ’s Passion. Miracles were reported both during her life and after her death.
St. Rita was canonized in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII.
Who is St. Rita of Cascia?
St. Rita of Cascia was an Italian Augustinian nun known for her extraordinary patience, forgiveness, and unwavering trust in God despite a life filled with suffering. She is one of the Church’s most beloved saints.
What is St. Rita the patron saint of?
St. Rita of Cascia is widely known as the Patron Saint of Impossible Causes and Hopeless Situations. She is also the patroness of difficult marriages, abuse victims, infertility/sterility, parenthood, widows, the sick, and bodily ills. Many people turn to her when facing desperate or seemingly impossible problems.
How long does the St. Rita novena last?
The St. Rita Novena lasts 9 consecutive days. You pray it once each day for nine days in a row. This follows the traditional novena format, modeled after the nine days the Apostles prayed between Jesus’ Ascension and Pentecost.
Can I pray the novena for someone else?
Yes, you can definitely pray the St. Rita Novena for someone else. This is a beautiful act of intercessory prayer. You may pray for your spouse, children, family members, friends, or anyone in need. Simply mention their name and their specific intention while praying.
When is the best time to start the novena?
You can start the St. Rita Novena at any time — there is no wrong time to ask for her powerful intercession. Many people begin the novena when facing a difficult or impossible situation. It is also very popular to pray it from May 13 to May 21, so it ends on her feast day, May 22.
Why should Catholics pray to St. Rita?
St. Rita’s life demonstrates that faith, forgiveness, and perseverance can overcome even the greatest trials. She reminds us that nothing is impossible with God and that His grace is sufficient in every circumstance.
| Novena Begins: | May 13th |
| Feast Day: | May 22nd |
Day 1 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For the grace to accept God’s will in difficult times.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For peace in marriage and family.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For healing of physical or emotional wounds.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For the conversion or return of loved ones to the faith.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For help in financial or legal difficulties.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For strength during grief and loss.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For purity of heart and perseverance in prayer.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For those suffering from abuse or abandonment.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Rita Novena
Intention: For the impossible cause I am praying for.
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You were pleased to hear the prayers of Saint Rita and to grant her petitions, accomplishing what seemed impossible through human wisdom, strength, and effort. You rewarded her compassionate love, unwavering faith, and complete trust in Your divine providence.
Through the powerful intercession of Saint Rita, have mercy on us in our trials, comfort us in our sorrows, and strengthen us in times of adversity. Grant us the grace to accept Your holy will with patience, courage, and hope, even when Your plans are difficult to understand.
May our trust in You never falter, and may all who witness our faith come to know that You are the protector of the helpless, the strength of those who trust in You, and the loving Father who never abandons His children.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron saint of impossible causes and difficult situations, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…