Rita of Cascia devoted her life to the care of plague victims, without ever becoming infected with the disease. Immediately after her death she was venerated as a protector from the plague and was named the patroness of “impossible causes.” We request her intercessory prayer through a form such as this:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: Under the weight of my burden, I turn to you, dear Rita, holy woman and saint. I am confident that you will hear my prayers and intercede on my behalf. You, who were chosen by God to be an advocate for those whose cases are most desperate, have the graces necessary to understand my need. [Mention your intention.] If my sins are an obstacle, impeding the fulfillment of my urgent plea, I beg you to obtain for me, from God, the necessary grace to see and understand my sinfulness, that I may, in sincere contrition, make a heartful reconciliation through the sacrament of penance. From the glory of heaven, have compassion upon me, you who suffered by the grace of the thorn and the rose, that my suffering and anxieties may be lessened, that I may bear my crosses with courage, contentment and trust. I will everywhere proclaim my debt and friendship to you. Oh, Bride of Jesus crucified, help me to live well and to die well. Amen.
Related: St. Rita of Cascia, Hewn from the Rocks of Lebanon.
Adapted from the Spanish.
And today we celebrate...