Saint Rita’s grandmother played a pivotal role in her life, both as a source of inspiration and practical support. Born in the late 1200s in the town of Roccaporena, just a few miles from where Saint Rita would later be born, her grandmother was known as Amata. Like many women of her time and place, Amata lived a simple and often difficult life. She married a man named Imperio, and together they worked hard to support themselves and their family.
Despite the challenges of their daily existence, Amata and Imperio were devout Catholics who tried to instill their faith in their children and grandchildren. This was especially important for Amata, who had a great devotion to Saint Augustine and Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. She believed that prayer and spiritual guidance were essential for a happy and fulfilling life, even in the midst of hardship.
Amata’s faith was put to the test when her husband became involved in a bitter feud with another family in the area. The dispute lasted for many years, and both sides suffered losses and injuries. Amata, who was a peace-loving woman, prayed constantly for an end to the conflict and for the safety of her loved ones. She was also deeply concerned about the spiritual well-being of her husband and other family members who had become consumed by anger and revenge.
Despite her efforts to maintain peace, Amata’s family was eventually targeted by their enemies, and they were forced to flee their home. They took refuge in a nearby town, where they lived in poverty and fear. But Amata did not lose hope. She continued to pray and to work to keep her family together, even as she faced new trials and challenges.
Through it all, Amata remained steadfast in her faith. She believed that God was with her, and that he would help her to endure whatever came her way. Her example of courage, perseverance, and devotion to God would have a lasting impact on her granddaughter, Saint Rita. It was through Amata’s influence that Saint Rita learned to turn to prayer and to put her trust in God, even in the most difficult moments of her life.
In many ways, Saint Rita’s grandmother embodies the qualities of a true saint – humility, charity, and steadfast faith in God. One of the most remarkable things about her life is that she lived in an era when women’s voices were often silenced or ignored. Yet Amata made a powerful impact on her family and her community through her example of love and devotion.
Today, we can draw inspiration from the life of Saint Rita’s grandmother. We can learn from her example of faith and courage in the face of adversity. We can also remember that the actions of one person can make a profound difference in the lives of those around them. Through our own prayer and good works, we can carry on the legacy of Saint Rita and her grandmother, and make the world a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.