St. Rita of Cascia
Italian Augustinian nun (1381-1457), Umbrian peasant married against her will to a violent man for eighteen years; after his murder and the deaths of her two young sons (whose vengeance she had prayed God to prevent) entered the Augustinian convent at Cascia at age 36. Received in 1442 a wound on her forehead in mystical union with the Crown of Thorns. Patron of impossible cases; canonized 1900 by Leo XIII.
Life & Times
Born: 1381 · Died: 1457 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Rita of Cascia is invoked as the patron of impossible causes, difficult marriages, abused wives, widows, wounds. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Rita of Cascia, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.