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St. Rita of Cascia: The Saint of the Impossible

St. Rita of Cascia, known as the “Saint of Impossible Causes,” endured an abusive marriage, the violent death of her husband, and the loss of her sons before entering religious life. Her extraordinary faith amidst suffering transformed her into one of the Church’s most powerful intercessors, making her the saint countless faithful turn to when all other hope seems lost.

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In the quiet hills of Umbria, Italy, a remarkable woman’s life unfolded in the 14th century—one so extraordinary that she would become known throughout the Catholic world as the “Saint of the Impossible.” St. Rita of Cascia’s journey from an obedient daughter to a grieving widow, bereaved mother, and finally, a devoted nun, reveals a soul of extraordinary faith and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

A Childhood of Devotion

Born Margherita Lotti in 1381 in the small village of Roccaporena, Rita was blessed with devout parents who instilled in her a deep love for God. From her earliest years, Rita demonstrated an unusual piety, often seeking solitude for prayer. Though she felt called to religious life, her parents arranged her marriage to Paolo Mancini, a man known for his volatile temperament, when she was just 12 years old.

Marriage and Suffering

Rita’s marriage lasted 18 years and was marked by significant hardship. Paolo’s harsh character made their home life difficult, yet Rita responded not with bitterness but with patience and love. Her gentle influence gradually softened her husband’s heart, leading to his eventual conversion.

The violent feuds that plagued the region during this tumultuous period of Italian history eventually claimed Paolo’s life when he was murdered by a rival family. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Rita faced another challenge: her teenage sons were determined to avenge their father’s death, as was customary in that time and culture.

A Mother’s Ultimate Sacrifice

Knowing that revenge would jeopardize her sons’ eternal souls, Rita prayed an extraordinary prayer—that God would take her sons rather than allow them to commit mortal sin. Within a year, both young men died of illness, reconciled to God and forgiven of their enemies. While devastating, Rita recognized this as God’s merciful response to her prayers.

The Closed Door

Now alone, Rita sought admission to the Augustinian convent in nearby Cascia. Her request was denied three times—first because she was a widow, and later because some of the nuns were related to her husband’s killers. Where others might have abandoned hope, Rita persisted.

Legend tells us that one night, Rita was miraculously transported into the convent by her patron saints— St. John the Baptist, St. Augustine, and St. Nicholas of Tolentino. When the nuns found her inside the locked building the next morning, they recognized divine intervention and accepted her into their community.

The Thorn of Christ’s Love

For 40 years, Rita lived as an Augustinian nun, dedicating herself to prayer, penance, and works of charity. Her profound mystical experiences included receiving a partial stigmata—a wound on her forehead representing a thorn from Christ’s crown. This painful wound, which never healed and emitted an unpleasant odor, became sweet-smelling only when she was in prayer.

The Rose in Winter

Perhaps the most famous miracle associated with St. Rita occurred near the end of her life. Bedridden and seriously ill during winter, she asked a visiting relative to bring her a rose from her family garden in Roccaporena. Though the request seemed impossible given the season, the relative discovered a single blooming rose amid the snow-covered garden. This miracle of the winter rose has become Rita’s most recognizable symbol, representing God’s power to accomplish the impossible through faith.

Patroness of the Impossible

Since her canonization in 1900, St. Rita has become one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church. Her feast day on May 22nd draws thousands of pilgrims to her shrine in Cascia, where her incorrupt body remains. People bring roses to be blessed and pray for her intercession in seemingly hopeless situations—troubled marriages, impossible causes, difficult circumstances, and wounds that seem beyond healing.

What St. Rita Teaches Us Today

In our modern world of quick fixes and instant solutions, St. Rita’s life offers a profound counter-witness. Her story reminds us that some of life’s greatest challenges require not immediate resolution but patient endurance, unwavering faith, and persistent prayer.

St. Rita teaches us that no circumstance is truly hopeless when placed in God’s hands. Whether facing a troubled relationship, an impossible situation at work, a physical ailment, or a spiritual struggle, her example invites us to persist in prayer and trust in divine providence.

As St. John Paul II said during his visit to her shrine, “Rita’s message from Cascia and from heaven is this: with Christ, everything becomes possible.”

For those feeling defeated by life’s challenges, St. Rita stands as a powerful intercessor and example—a woman who transformed seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for grace, and who continues to inspire millions.

We invite you to join us in a prayer to St. Rita for any impossible case or special need you are experiencing by clicking on the prayer link below.

May St. Rita’s unwavering faith and intercession bring hope to your heart and the grace needed to face your own seemingly impossible situations.

Prayer to St. Rita for Impossible Cases & Special Needs

Prayer

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Novena to St. Rita for Impossible Cases & Special Needs

Novena

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St. Rita

About St. Rita

St. Rita of Cascia, known as the “Saint of the Impossible,” lived a life marked by remarkable patience through extraordinary suffering in medieval Italy. Born in 1381, she initially wished to become a nun but obeyed her parents’ arrangement of her marriage to a violent husband. After 18 years of marriage during which she worked to convert her hostile husband through prayer and gentleness, he was murdered in a feud. Her two sons swore to avenge their father’s death, but Rita prayed they would die rather than commit murder – they both died of natural causes within a year. Finally free to pursue her original calling, she had to overcome three rejections before being accepted into the Augustinian convent in Cascia. There, she received a mysterious wound on her forehead, believed to be a partial stigmata from a thorn of Christ’s crown, which remained with her for 15 years until her death in 1457. She became known for her deep devotion despite multiple personal tragedies, and is particularly invoked as a patron saint of impossible causes, abused wives, and grieving mothers.

Prayers & Devotions

Intercession of the Saints

Prayer to St. Rita for Impossible Cases and Special Needs

This moving Prayer to Saint Rita for Impossible Cases & Special Needs invites us to seek her powerful intercession by recounting her virtues and the trials she faced, earnestly imploring her to “obtain for us our request.” The prayer is a heartfelt appeal to God’s infinite tenderness, affirming that He is the source of strength and comfort for all who trust in Him.

Get the scoop → “St. Rita of Cascia: The Saint of the Impossible”

Prayer to St. Rita for Impossible Cases & Special Needs

Prayer Video –Prayer to St. Rita

O Holy Patroness of those in need, St. Rita, whose pleadings before thy Divine Lord are almost irresistible, who for thy lavishness in granting favors hast been called the Advocate of the HOPELESS and even of the IMPOSSIBLE; St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so mortified, so patient and of such compassionate love for the Crucified Jesus that thou couldst obtain from Him whatsoever thou askest, on account of which all confidently have recourse to thee, expecting, if not always relief, at least comfort; be propitious to our petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy suppliant; be lavish to us, as thou hast been in so many wonderful cases, for the greater glory of God, for the spreading of thine own devotion, and for the consolation of those who trust in thee. We promise, if our petition is granted, to glorify thee by making known thy favor, to bless and sing thy praises forever. Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we pray thee grant that (here mention your request).

By the singular merits of thy childhood, obtain for us our request.
By thy perfect union with the Divine Will, obtain for us our request.
By thy heroic sufferings during thy married life, obtain for us our request.
By the consolation thou didst experience at the conversion of thy husband, obtain for us our request.
By the sacrifice of thy children rather than see them grievously offend God, obtain for us our request.
By the severe penances and trice daily scourgings, obtain for us our request.
By the suffering caused by the wound thou didst receive from the thorn of thy Crucified Savior, obtain for us our request.
By the divine love which consumed thy heart, obtain for us our request.
By that remarkable devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, on which alone thou dost exist for four years, obtain for us our request.
By the happiness with which thou didst part from thy trials to join thy Divine Spouse, obtain for us our request.
By the perfect example you gavest to people of every state of life, obtain for us our request.

Pray for us, O holy St. Rita, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
O God, Who in Thine infinite tenderness hast vouchsafed to regard the prayer of Thy servant, Blessed Rita, and dost grant to her supplication that which is impossible to human foresight, skill and efforts, in reward of her compassionate love and firm reliance on Thy promise, have pity on our adversity and succor us in our calamities, that the unbeliever may know Thou art the recompense of the humble, the defense of the helpless, and the strength of those who trust in Thee, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

St. Rita Novena and Litany

St. Rita is the patron saint of impossible causes and hopeless circumstances. Her life story is full of miraculous events, and she is often invoked by those who are facing seemingly unconquerable challenges. The St. Rita Novena & Litany can be recited by anyone who is facing a difficult situation and who wants to invoke her powerful intercession.

Get the scoop → “St. Rita of Cascia: The Saint of the Impossible”

St. Rita Novena & Litany

Prayer Video – St. Rita Novena & Litany

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and our hearts will be renewed.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, instructed the hearts of the faithful; grant us, by the same Holy Spirit, a love and desire for what is right and just, and the constant enjoyment of His consolation, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany of St Rita
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Immaculate Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of pure love, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Queen of all saints, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Model of life for Saint Rita, pray for us.

St. Rita, our advocate and protectress, pray for us.
St. Rita, beloved by the Lord, pray for us.
St. Rita, given special grace from heaven, pray for us.
St. Rita, remarkable in childhood, pray for us.
St. Rita, model of obedience to God’s Will, pray for us.
St. Rita, the peacemaker, pray for us.
St. Rita, of untiring patience, pray for us.
St. Rita, model of Christian mothers, pray for us.
St. Rita, mirror for Christian spouses, pray for us.
St. Rita, heroic in sacrifice, pray for us.
St. Rita, generous in forgiving, pray for us.
St. Rita, martyr in penitence, pray for us.
St. Rita, embracing humility and poverty, pray for us.
St. Rita, exemplary as a widow, pray for us.
St. Rita, prompt to answer the divine call, pray for us.
St. Rita, patient in suffering, pray for us.
St. Rita, mirror of religious observance, pray for us.
St. Rita, mystical rose of every virtue, pray for us.
St. Rita, enamored of the Passion of Christ, pray for us.
St. Rita, pierced with a thorn, pray for us.
St. Rita, in ecstasy before the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us.
St. Rita, consumed with Divine Love, pray for us.
St. Rita, received into heaven with joy, pray for us.
St. Rita, incorrupt in your chaste body, pray for us.
St. Rita, advocate of impossible cases, pray for us.
St. Rita, persevering in prayer, pray for us.
St. Rita, help of those in need, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Lord, you have signed your servant, Rita.
With the marks of Your love and Passion.

Let us pray:
O God, who bestowed on St. Rita such grace that she loved her enemies, and bore in her heart and on her forehead the mark of Your love and Passion, grant us, we beseech You, through her merits and intercession, a love for our enemies. Through our contemplation of Your Son’s sufferings and Passion, may we merit the reward promised to the meek and the suffering. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Petition
Glorious St. Rita, patroness of those in need, your intercession with our Lord is most powerful. Through the favors obtained by your prayers you have been called “Advocate of hopeless and even impossible cases.” St. Rita, humble and pure; patient and compassionate Lover of Christ Crucified! We have confidence that everyone who has recourse to you, will find comfort and relief. Listen to our petitions and show your power with God in our behalf. Obtain our petitions for us if they are for the greater honor of God, and for our good. We promise, if our petitions are granted, to make known your favor, and to glorify God for His gift. Relying on your power with the merciful Savior, we ask of you…

(Offer your requests now.)

By the singular merits of your childhood, obtain our request for us.
By your perfect union with the Divine Will, obtain our request for us.
By your acceptance of troubles in your married life, obtain our request for us.
By the anguish felt at the murder of your husband, obtain our request for us.
By the example of forgiveness you gave to your sons, obtain our request for us.
By your miraculous entrance into the convent, obtain our request for us.
By your daily penance and fasting, obtain our request for us.
By your courage and joy in bearing the mark of the Crucified Savior,
obtain our request for us.
By the Divine Love which consumed your life, obtain our request for us.
By your devotion in receiving the Blessed Sacrament, obtain our request for us.
By the happiness you felt in leaving this life for union with Christ, obtain our
request for us.
By the example you have given to people of every state of life, obtain our request
for us.

Pray for us, St. Rita,
That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, in Your infinite love and mercy you heed the prayer of Your beloved servant, Rita. You graciously grant favors through her intercession, which are considered impossible to human skill and effort. Relying on her compassionate love, we ask You to assist us in our trials and difficulties. Let unbelievers know that you are the helper of the humble, the defender of the weak, and the strength of those who trust in You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Rita Chaplet

The St. Rita Chaplet is a chaplet in honor of St. Rita of Cascia, the patron saint of impossible cases and special needs, imploring her prayers and powerful intercession. Often referred to as the “Saint of the Impossible”, Saint Rita was blessed with a partial stigmata, suffering one of the thorns of Christ’s crown on her forehead.

Get the scoop → “St. Rita of Cascia: The Saint of the Impossible”

St. Rita Chaplet

Prayer Video – Chaplet of St. Rita

St Rita Chaplet
O Holy St. Rita, exemplary Augustinian Sister, we honor you for your devotion to the Passion of Christ. Although your early life was filled with disappointment, frustration, and unceasing tragedy, you never lost faith and trust in God. For this you are the patroness of the impossible, and our inspiration and advocate in desperate circumstances.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. (Pray 3 times)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Pray 3 times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Pray 3 times)

Holy Patroness of those in need, Saint Rita, so humble, pure and patient, whose pleadings with thy Divine Spouse are irresistible, obtain for me from thy Crucified Christ my request… (mention your request here). Be kind to me, for the greater glory of God, and I promise to honor thee and to sing thy praises forever.

Oh glorious Saint Rita, who didst miraculously participate in the sorrowful Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, obtain for me the grace to suffer with resignation the troubles of this life, and protect me in all my needs. Amen.