Saint Rita of Cascia was an Italian widow and Augustinian nun who lived in the 14th century. She is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church for her devotion to God, her compassionate spirit, and her miracles. Saint Rita was born in the town of Roccaporena, Italy, in 1381. After her husband was murdered, she devoted her life to God and entered the convent of Saint Mary Magdalene in Cascia. St. Rita Catholic Church is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is a place of pilgrimage and a spiritual center for Catholics and those seeking blessings from Saint Rita. It attracts visitors from around the world seeking solace, guidance, and inspiration.
Although many Christians don’t even know her name, let alone speak or praise it, Rita was known for her devotion to the Passion of Christ and her miracles, including the cure of a young boy who was deaf and mute. Saint Rita is considered the patroness of impossible causes and is invoked for assistance in difficult or seemingly impossible situations. She is also venerated as a symbol of peace, hope, and courage.
Her feast day is celebrated on May 22nd. It is important to acknowledge Saint Rita and her good deeds, as she was and still is an important figure in Christian history who still proves to this day that miracles can actually happen. The only thing you need for a miracle is your undivided faith.
Why Does St Rita Appear with A Nail in Her Head?
Usually, when you see St. Rita in images, illustrations, sculptures, or paintings, you might observe she appears to have a nail in her head. Although this choice seems a bit confusing, there is a reason for the tragic detail. The cruel detail has become one of the defining features of her image, and it further proves her devotion to God.
The story goes that Saint Rita was deeply devoted to the Passion of Christ and prayed for the grace to share in his suffering. In response to her prayers, she received a wound on her forehead, which is said to have resembled the wound Jesus Christ got from his crucifixion.
Because she was so devoted, she received a place in eternity near God and is remembered today as a saint. The biggest church created in her name, the St. Rita Catholic Church, offers a variety of services and activities for its parishioners. One of the most important activities is Mass: Here, regular Sunday Masses and Holy Days Masses are held at the church with people gathering from all over the globe.
The St. Rita Catholic Church also offers the sacraments of baptism, communion, confirmation, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, and the Holy Matrimony. Religious education classes and faith formation programs are available for children, youth, and adults.
This Catholic Church dedicated to Saint Rita may have various ministry groups and volunteer opportunities for its members to serve the community and the church. If you join them, you will be able to help those in need, just like the beloved Saint Rita would have wanted.
The Shrine of Saint Rita in Pennsylvania, USA
Shrines are religious structures or locations that are dedicated to the veneration of saints or other Holy figures. They are considered sacred places by those who believe in the power and presence of the divine and serve as a source of spiritual inspiration and devotion. Shrines can be found all over the world, reflecting the diverse cultures and traditions of different religions and spiritual communities.
If you would like to visit Saint Rita’s Shrine, it is located in St. Rita Catholic Church in the United States of America, Pennsylvania, to be exact. There is a multitude of gorgeous historical pieces that you will experience there.
Some features of the shrine include the chapel, where Mass is celebrated, and devotions are held. There are several art and iconography items. As a matter of fact, the shrine is adorned with art and iconography, including paintings and sculptures, depicting the life and miracles of Saint Rita.
St. Rita Catholic Church also houses relics of the Saint, including a piece of her veil and a lock of her hair. Some even speculate that they can still do some miracles. Nature lovers know that the shrine features peaceful gardens and outdoor spaces for reflection and prayer, and here tourists claim they can feel peaceful like her spirit is there with them.
People visit Saint Rita’s Shrine to offer prayers and requests, to ask for blessings and guidance, or simply to connect with the divine in a meaningful way. It is believed to have healing properties, and according to some Christians who visited, Rita’s Shrine is able to grant wishes.
Is There Another Church Honoring Saint Rita? | St. Rita Catholic Church
It’s common for our beloved Saints to have multiple churches dedicated to them. Although the official Shrine of Saint Rita is located in the United States of America, there are other churches that were built in her honor. Some still hold some relics that are said to have belonged to her at one point in time.
One of the most notable ones is the “Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia,” which roughly translates to St. Rita Catholic Church. It is located in her “signature” town, Cascia, in Italy. The Basilica was officially opened in 1947, and in 1955 it was named “minor basilica” by Pope Pius XII.
This Basilica is praised throughout Europe by citizens who claim its beauty is breathtaking. The interiors are especially beautiful, and the views are mesmerizing. It is true that you are in Italy, a country with some of the most impressive sights, but this Basilica that honors Saint Rita has it all, from the travertine façade to the views and the pictures on the ceilings.
And maybe the most important thing to see in this Basilica is Saint Rita’s body, perfectly preserved, making it seem like she is sleeping, despite being several centuries old.
