Biography
St. Rita was born in Umbria in 1377. She wanted to be a nun, but her parents decided she should marry. Her husband turned out to be violent and unfaithful. He was killed in a fight and their two sons died soon after that. She then sought to become an Augustinian nun at Cascia; after six years of petitioning, she was accepted in 1413. She was greatly devoted to the passion of Christ and to serving the sick nuns in her community. She died in 1457 and was canonized in 1900. She is invoked as a patron of difficult cases, especially those involving marriage. [1] Written by Sarah Ciotti Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD [1] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St Rita.” Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ. Thank you for praying with us. If you feel called, your Lenten offering helps carry this prayer to more hearts and languages. Contribute now