ST RITA

St. Rita of Cascia

Feast Day: 22 May
Patronage: Impossible and difficult causes, abused or troubled marriages, widows, and those facing desperate situations.

Quick Facts

• Born: c. 1381 – Roccaporena, Italy

• Died: 22 May 1457 – Cascia, Italy

• Birth Name: Margherita Lotti

• Title: Saint Rita of Cascia

• Known For: Prayer, forgiveness, perseverance, and devotion to Christ’s Passion

Life Summary

St. Rita of Cascia, born Margherita Lotti, was an Italian woman whose life was marked by suffering, forgiveness, and deep trust in God. From a young age, she desired to dedicate herself completely to God, but she entered into marriage and became the mother of two sons.

Her marriage was difficult, and her husband was eventually killed in a violent conflict. Rather than seeking revenge, Rita chose to forgive those responsible. She also prayed that her sons would not become involved in the cycle of violence and hatred.

After the deaths of her husband and sons, Rita entered the Augustinian monastery in Cascia, where she devoted the rest of her life to prayer, penance, service, and contemplation of Christ’s Passion.

According to tradition, Rita received a wound on her forehead resembling one of the wounds caused by Christ’s crown of thorns. She carried this painful mark for many years as a sign of her union with Christ’s suffering.

Because of the many seemingly impossible situations she endured with faith and perseverance, St. Rita became known as the “Saint of Impossible Causes.” Her life reminds Christians that even in situations of great suffering, conflict, and apparent hopelessness, forgiveness, prayer, and trust in God can bring hope.

Famous Quote

“Love is never something that should be forced; it should be freely given.” — St. Rita of Cascia