Born in a small Italian village, she was the unexpected child of old age. When she was very young, she wanted to devote herself to God, but her parents forced her to marry a brutal man named Paul de Ferdinand, who commanded a band of warriors without morals. He is a violent husband who regularly beats his wife.
Rita adopts the noblest and most courageous of attitudes: she prays a lot for her husband, who persecutes her, while continuing to show him gentleness and do him favors. Finally, the long-awaited day arrives: Rita is granted her wish! Her husband is converted and his behavior changes. In a word: charity enters his heart.
But clan feuds are fierce in 15th-century Italy, and Fernandino is murdered after 18 years of married life. It’s a heartbreaker for Rita, but even more so when she sees that her two sons, to avenge their father, are ready to murder in their turn. Rita begs God to call them back to Him rather than let them become murderers. God answered her prayer: the 2 sons died of the plague.
Left on her own – having lost her parents, husband and 2 children – Rita joined the Augustinian nuns in Cascia. There, she lived an intense mystical life and received the stigmata of Christ’s Passion.
After her death, miracles multiplied at her tomb, giving rise to a popular cult that spread rapidly. Saint Rita was given the title of “saint of desperate causes.”
O Saint Rita, shining star in the heaven of the saints, model of humility and patience, we turn to you with great trust and humble supplication. You lived a life of sincere devotion to our Lord, demonstrating unshakeable faith, immeasurable charity and exemplary patience.
Saint Rita, you who have known pain and suffering, you understand our burdens and difficulties. We ask you to pray for us, to help us carry our burdens with courage and get through life’s trials with the same grace and strength you have shown.
O Saint Rita, you who found peace and reconciliation in prayer, intercede for us with our heavenly Father. May our prayers be heard, our petitions answered, and our hearts filled with divine grace.
We ask you in particular [mentionnez ici vos intentions spécifiques et personnelles], knowing that you are known for performing miracles and extraordinary graces. Help us to live according to God’s will, to find peace in adversity and to be faithful witnesses of God’s love in our lives.
Saint Rita, we thank you for your example of holiness and for your steadfast love of God. May your light continue to shine on us, guiding us along the path of faith and virtue.
O Saint Rita, pray for us, intercede for us, and obtain for us the graces we need. We place our trust in you, and entrust our lives and souls to you.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
Saint Rita, pray for us.