Every year on 22 May, Christians around the world celebrate Saint Rita of Cascia, one of the most beloved and most frequently prayed-to saints in the Catholic Church. Known as the ‘patron saint of hopeless causes’ and impossible situations, she attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to entrust to her their sufferings, family trials, illnesses and spiritual difficulties.
The feast of Saint Rita is a time of great devotion. In many parishes, Masses, novenas and rose blessings are organised in her honour. This day is also an opportunity to rediscover the moving life of this exceptional woman, marked by suffering, forgiveness, prayer and absolute trust in God.
Who was Saint Rita?
Saint Rita was born around 1381 in Roccaporena, a small village in Italy near Cascia. From a very young age, she felt a deep desire to devote her life to God. However, in accordance with the customs of the time, her parents gave her in marriage to a man named Paolo Mancini.
Her husband was known for his violent and impulsive temper. For many years, Rita patiently endured her husband’s outbursts and injustices. Through her gentleness, her prayer and her faithful love, she gradually managed to touch his heart and bring about his conversion.
But the peace she had found did not last long. Paolo was murdered as a result of conflicts between rival families. Rita then faced an immense trial. Her two sons, distraught by their father’s death, sought revenge. Saint Rita prayed fervently to prevent hatred from taking hold of their hearts. According to tradition, her sons died shortly afterwards of an illness, reconciled with God.
Widowed and alone, Rita asked to enter the Augustinian convent in Cascia. After several refusals, she was eventually accepted and began a life of intense prayer, penance and charity.
The miracle of the thorn
One of the most famous episodes in the life of Saint Rita is that of the thorn of Christ. One day, whilst meditating before a crucifix, she asked to share in the sufferings of Jesus. A wound then appeared on her forehead, like a thorn from Christ’s crown.
This wound remained visible for many years and became a sign of her profound union with the crucified Jesus. Despite the pain and suffering, Saint Rita always maintained an extraordinary inner peace and total trust in God’s mercy.
Why do we pray to Saint Rita?
For centuries, the faithful have turned to Saint Rita in the most difficult situations. She is invoked for:
• family problems
• marital conflicts
• serious illnesses
• financial difficulties
• impossible human situations
• spiritual conversions
• hopeless causes
Many testify to having received significant graces after praying to Saint Rita with faith. Her intercession brings comfort, hope and inner peace.
She reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God can transform wounds into a path of light.
The blessing of the roses on 22 May
On Saint Rita’s feast day, it is traditional to have roses blessed at church. This tradition stems from a miracle recounted shortly before her death.
Whilst she was seriously ill, Saint Rita asked a cousin to go and pick a rose from her former family garden, in the middle of winter. Against all odds, the cousin found a magnificent rose in full bloom despite the cold.
Since then, the rose has become the symbol of Saint Rita: a flower that blooms even in the depths of winter, like the hope that endures through trials.
On 22 May, many of the faithful leave the celebrations with a blessed rose, a sign of protection, consolation and trust in God.
A saint close to families
Saint Rita has a special resonance for families and those wounded by life. Her story speaks to all who know suffering, family tensions or the trials of daily life.
She is an example of forgiveness and patience. Where many would have responded with anger or despair, she chose love, prayer and trust in God.
In a world often marked by violence and division, her witness remains highly relevant today.
How can we celebrate Saint Rita on 22 May?
Here are some simple ideas for observing this beautiful Christian feast day:
• attend the Mass for Saint Rita
• have a rose blessed
• say a prayer or a novena
• light a candle in her honour
• entrust a special intention to her intercession
• reflect on forgiveness and peace in your own life
This day can become a true moment of spiritual renewal and hope.
Hope for all
The popularity of Saint Rita of Cascia continues to grow throughout the world. Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel to Cascia, in Italy, to pray at her tomb and ask for her help.
Saint Rita reminds us that God never abandons those who place their trust in Him. Even when all seems lost, faith can revive hope.
22 May is therefore much more than just a religious feast day: it is an invitation to believe once more in miracles, in peace of heart and in the power of prayer.
