St. Rita of Cascia, born in 1381 to devoted parents in Umbria, Italy, is the patroness of impossible cases and special needs. Although she desired a contemplative life and wished to join the Augustinian convent at Cascia at 18, her parents insisted she marry Paul Ferdinand, a quarrelsome suitor. Rita endured her husband's drunken rages and found solace in her two sons, who accompanied her to Mass. Her fervent prayers eventually led to her husband’s conversion, but he was soon found murdered, deepening her sorrow. Concerned for her sons' vengeful intentions, Rita implored God to take them rather than let them sin. Within a year, both sons passed away.
At 30, Rita sought to fulfill her original desire to enter the convent but was initially denied due to the rule that only virgins could join. However, during a prayerful vigil, she was miraculously led to the convent by Sts. Augustine, John the Baptist, and Nicholas of Tolentino, which convinced the nuns to accept her.
After completing her novitiate, Rita spent 25 peaceful years in the convent. In 1442, inspired by a Lenten sermon, she desired to share in Christ's suffering and was miraculously wounded by a thorn from the Crown of Thorns, which rendered her bedridden and in isolation for eight years. Despite her pain, she maintained remarkable patience and cheerfulness, consuming almost nothing but the Eucharist. Rita died of tuberculosis at the age of 70 on May 22, 1456, leaving behind a legacy of faith and resilience.
St. Rita, intercede for us in times of trial and hardship; obtain for us the grace to endure and persevere, knowing that in our suffering, we unite ourselves to Christ.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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