The Basics: Born 1381 in Italy; died May 22, 1457, in Italy; canonized May 24, 1900, by Pope Leo XIII; feast day, May 22. Wife, mother, woman religious.
The Story: Rita’s life was marked by deep pain–and peace. Her 18 years in an arranged marriage were 
troubled. Her husband was unfaithful and abused her physically. Their two sons vowed revenge when their father was killed by a rival family, something that troubled Rita greatly. She prayed that they learn to forgive, as she had. Rita suffered a further blow, however, when within the following year, both sons died of natural causes.
Early in life, Rita had hoped to enter an Augustine convent, and now she felt that desire return. There were challenges, however; while she had forgiven the family of her husband’s killer, his family had not, and the convent community included members of the killer’s family. Rita was able to effect a peace between the rivals, and entered the convent at age 36.
Her life as woman religious was unremarkable until Good Friday 1442, when she prayed for the ability to relieve some small part of Christ’s pain by carrying it herself. Until her death, she carried a visible wound from His crown of thorns.
Rita’s Wisdom: “O loving Jesus, increase my patience accordingly as my sufferings increase.”
What We Can Learn from Rita: It’s easy to take the sacraments and other gifts from God for granted. The next time you receive the Eucharist or another sacrament, slow down. Think about the enormity of what is happening.
To Learn More About Rita: Visit the site of St. Rita’s Sanctuary in Cascia, or the site of the National Shrine of St. Rita in Philadelphia. The Order of St. Augustine in Australia also has a nice biography of this saint.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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