A Visit to the National Shrine of St. Rita Is One You Won’t Forget
St. Rita is a name every Catholic should know and for a great reason!
Saint Rita of Cascia, often called the saint of the impossible, lived a life marked by faith and resilience that continues to inspire many. Born in 1381 in Roccaporena, Italy, Rita felt a calling to become a nun from a young age. However, following her parents’ wishes, she married Paolo Mancini, with whom she had two sons. Her marriage was troubled, as Paolo was a violent man involved in local feuds. Despite this, Rita’s patience and kindness eventually won him over, and he became a better man, distancing himself from his violent past.
Tragedy struck when Paolo was murdered, which thrust Rita into a period of profound grief. Her immense faith guided her through this ordeal, and she managed to forgive her husband’s killers, a forgiveness that her sons did not share. They vowed revenge, but Rita prayed fervently for them to forsake vengeance. Her prayers were answered in a heartrending way: both sons died from natural causes before they could retaliate, leaving Rita without family.
With her family gone, Rita finally pursued her lifelong desire to join the Augustinian convent in Cascia. Initially, the nuns there refused her due to the violent death of her husband. According to legend, Rita was transported into the convent miraculously, which convinced the nuns to admit her. During her life in the convent, she was known for her deep devotion to prayer, rigorous penance, and acts of charity.
St. Rita of Cascia died peacefully in 1457 and was canonized in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII. Today, she is venerated as a patroness of impossible cases, troubled marriages, and lost causes, touching the lives of many who seek her intercession in times of dire need.
In honor of St. Rita's feast day on May 22nd, we figured it is a great time to visit the wonderful National Shrine of St. Rita in Philadelphia:
Founded by the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova in 1907, the National Shrine of St. Rita "seeks to inspire people from all walks of life to live these virtues as they come to know and encounter God and others."
Rooted in Augustinian spirituality, the National Shrine is a vibrant Roman Catholic community dedicated to prayer and worship, beginning with the colorful, jaw-dropping upper shrine.
After you take in the stunning architecture in the grand upper shrine, head downstairs to the aptly-named lower shrine for a peaceful area to pray and partake in adoration.
While you are welcome to visit whenever, we recommend partaking in a customized pilgrimage, which can be arranged before your arrival.
During your custom pilgrimage, you can expect a complete tour of the shrine, plus mass, adoration, novena prayers, and more.
Do you wish to get even more out of your visit? The National Shrine of St. Rita also offers in-depth retreats for pilgrims from all over the world!
Before you go, check out the many treasures at the on-site gift shop, which offers everything from books to rosaries, holy cards, statues, and other religious items.
To learn more about the National Shrine of St. Rita - or to book your pilgrimage or retreat - please visit their website.
St. Rita, pray for us!