St. Rita of Cascia was an Augustinian Nun who lived in Italy between 1386 and 1456. She greatly desired to be a nun but was married at the age of 12 to a wealthy, cruel and immoral man. St. Rita endured his insults and abuse for 18 years. She gave birth to two sons. St. Rita helped convert her husband to lead a pious life. When her husband was murdered, she tried in vain to dissuade her twin sons from attempting to take revenge; she appealed to Heaven to prevent such a crime on their part, and they were taken away by natural death, reconciled to God. She was a model wife and mother in every aspect. After the deaths of her husband and sons, St. Rita miraculously entered the monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene at Cascia when she was 36. St. Rita is the Patroness of Impossible & Hopeless causes, Mothers and Abused Women. Many seek her intercession for marital problems, infertility and sickness. Her Feast Day is on May 22nd. Here is a Prayer to Saint Rita. The Novena begins on May 13th and ends on May 21st.
Glorious St. Rita, O holy patroness of those in need, your intercession with our Lord is most powerful. Through the favors obtained by your prayers, you have been called the Advocate of the Hopeless and even of the Impossible. St. Rita, humble and pure; patient and compassionate lover of Christ Crucified! We have confidence that everyone who has recourse to you, will find comfort and relief. Listen to our petitions and show your power with God on our behalf. Obtain our petitions for us, if they are for the greater glory of God, and for our good. We promise, if our petitions are granted, to make known your favor, and to glorify God for His gift. Relying on your merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we ask of you (here mention your request)
Obtain for us our Request
by the singular merits of thy childhood,
by thy perfect union with the Divine Will,
by thy heroic sufferings during thy married life,
by the consolation thou didst experience at the conversion of thy husband,
by the sacrifice of thy children rather than see them grievously offend God,
by thy miraculous entrance into the convent,
by thy severe penances and thrice daily bloody scourgings,
by the suffering caused by the wound thou didst receive from the thorn of the Crucified Savior,
by the divine love which consumed thy heart,
by that remarkable devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, on which alone thou didst exist for four years,
by the happiness with which thou didst part from thy trials to join thy Divine Spouse,
by the perfect example thou gavest to people of every state of life.
Pray for us, O holy St. Rita, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray
Heavenly Father! In Your infinite love and mercy, you heed the prayer of Your beloved servant, Saint Rita. You graciously grant favors through her intercession, which are considered impossible to human foresight, skill and efforts. Relying on her compassionate love, we ask You to assist us in our trials and difficulties. Let unbelievers know that you are recompense helper of the humble, the defense of the helpless, and the strength of those who trust in You. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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