Santa Rita was born in 1381 in Cascia, a small town in Italy. From a very young age, she felt drawn towards the religious life and longed to become a nun. However, her parents had other plans for her and wanted her to marry. Eventually, she got married to a cruel and abusive man who was involved in criminal activities. She endured his mistreatment for many years, all the while praying for his conversion and for her own salvation.
After her husband was killed in a feud, Santa Rita’s circumstances worsened. She was left alone to fend for herself and her two young sons. She decided to enter the religious life, but was rejected by several convents because of her association with her husband’s criminal activities. It was only after persistent prayers and intercession by St. John the Baptist, St. Augustine, and St. Nicholas of Tolentino, that she was allowed to join the Augustinian nuns.
Santa Rita’s life as a nun was marked by great devotion and extraordinary graces. She spent most of her time in prayer and penance, offering her sufferings for the conversion of sinners and the unity of the Church. She received the stigmata, or the wounds of Christ, on her forehead, hands, and feet. She also had the gift of prophecy and was able to perform , such as healing the sick and reconciling enemies.
One of the most famous stories associated with Santa Rita is the miraculous blooming of a dried-up rose. During her life, she had a deep devotion to the Passion of Christ and would often meditate on the Crown of Thorns. One day, she asked a cousin who was visiting her for a rose from the garden of her childhood home. However, it was winter and the garden was barren. Her cousin reluctantly went to the garden and was surprised to find a single dried-up rose. He took it to Santa Rita, who prayed over it and, miraculously, it bloomed into a beautiful rose.
Santa Rita’s intercession has been sought by many over the centuries for a variety of causes. She is especially invoked for the healing of wounds, physical and spiritual, for the conversion of sinners, for the reconciliation of enemies, for help in hopeless situations, and for the grace of a happy death.
For those who are seeking a grace from Santa Rita, it is important to remember that she is not a genie who grants wishes on demand. Rather, she is a powerful intercessor who brings our prayers before the throne of God. It is important to approach her with faith, humility, and perseverance, and to be open to God’s will. Even if we do not receive the specific grace we are asking for, we can be assured that Santa Rita’s prayers will always bring us closer to God and his love.
In conclusion, Santa Rita is a beloved saint whose life and legacy continue to inspire and encourage millions of believers around the world. She reminds us that even in the darkest of situations, we can always turn to God with faith and hope. May her prayers and intercessions be a source of grace and comfort for all those who seek her help.