For this reason roses are blessed in the Saint's honor.Īfter St. Although it was not the season for roses, the relative went and found a rose in full bloom. Rita was dying, she requested a relative to bring her a rose from her old home at Rocca Porrena. Upon her return to the monastery the wound from the thorn reappeared, and remained until her death.Īs St. This came about only for the duration of the trip. Permission was granted on condition that her wound would be healed. When Pope Nicholas IV proclaimed a jubilee at Rome, Rita desired to attend. Miraculous power was soon recognized in Rita. Because of the foul odor emanating from the wound, she was denied the companionship of the other Sisters, and this for fifteen years. The wound became worse, and gangrene set in. Suddenly one of the thorns detached and fastened itself in her forehead so deeply that she could not remove it. After hearing a sermon on the Passion of Christ she returned to her cell kneeling before her crucifix, she implored: "Let me, my Jesus share in Thy suffering, at least of one of Thy thorns". Rita's hidden, simple life in religion was distinguished by obedience and charity she performed many extreme penances. Astonished at the miracle, the Nuns received Rita, and soon enrolled her among their number. In a miraculous way she was conducted to the monastic enclosure, no entrance having been opened. One night as Rita was praying earnestly in her humble home she heard herself called by name, while someone knocked at the door. God Himself, however, supported her cause. Three times she sought admittance among the Augustinian Nuns in Cascia, but her request was refused each time, and she returned to her home in Rocca Porrena. Rita's former desire to consecrate herself to God again took possession of her. Rita continued her accustomed devotions, and her sanctity and prayers finally won her husband's heart so that he willingly consented that she continue her acts of devotion.Įighteen years had elapsed since her marriage, when her husband was murdered by an old enemy both of her sons died shortly after. Two sons were born to them, each inheriting their father's quarrelsome temperament. Pious though her parents were, their tearful pleadings to postpone her noble purpose prevailed on Rita, and they gave her in marriage, at the age of eighteen, to an impulsive, irascible young man, who was well fitted to try the patience and virtue of the holy girl. At the age of twelve, however, she desired to consecrate herself to God in the religious state. To satisfy her desire of a life of union with God by prayer, her parents fitted up a little room in their home as an oratory, where she spent all her spare moments. Rita of Cassia Rita's childhood was one of happiness to her parents. This optional memorial is new to the USA liturgical calendar. She died May 22, 1456, and both in life and after death has worked many miracles. Jesus imprinted on her brow the mark of a thorn from His crown. In a life-long and terrible malady her patience, cheerfulness, and union by prayer with almighty God, never failed her. Augustine at Cascia her native town, in central Italy. Called afterwards to the religious state, she professed the Rule of St. Rita lost, by death, her husband and her two sons. » Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!Īfter eighteen years of married life, St. A Life of Heroic Humility and Obedience | Pope Saint John Paul II.
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