May 22--Memorial of St. Rita of Cascia

May 22    Memorial of St. Rita of Cascia

Patron of Mothers and of Desperate Situations

Rita, born Margherita Lotti in central Italy in 1381, was attracted to religious life at an early age. However, she was forced to marry a man who was abusive and with whom she had two sons. Her exemplary patience and charity during this difficult marriage brought about the conversion of her husband shortly before he was murdered by his enemies. She urged forgiveness rather than the customary vendetta of her day. Shortly after, her sons died. Rita later entered the Augustinian Convent. For the next 40 years she devoted herself to prayer and service to the sick and poor. A mystic, Rita received the stigmata of a wound from the crown of thorns. See the page on St. Rita on this website for more information.

The traditional blessing and distribution of roses will be included at our daily Masses on her feast day!