Saint Rita

     Born Rita Lotti, in 1381 she was born an Italian Saint . Known as the Saint of the impossible. Her unwavering Faith gained her the honor of many sufferings. She was married off at a young age to Paolo Mancini, a man of violent nature. They had two sons and Paolo was eventually murdered in a feud. Her son's sought revenge and with a pleading heart Rita begged not to avenge him. In an answer to her prayers both sons died a year later of dysentery (infection of the lower bowel) a plague going around their town. God in answer to her prayer allowed them to die a natural death rather than losing their souls to hell because of murder. 

     Rita, a pious Catholic, after losing her husband and sons went to the Augustine convent in hopes to become a nun. A place she had often visited as a child. She was rejected because of being married before but because of her perseverance eventually got acceptance into the community.

    Along with St Jude, she is considered a Saint of impossible cases. On her deathbed, she had asked a friend to bring her a rose from the yard of her family home. The friend thinking that this would be impossible because, it being the dead of Winter, walked home sadly that she could not fulfill Rita's wishes but decided to walk by her family home anyways and found roses in full bloom.  She hurriedly took them back to Rita to show her. 

     The Thorn which laid in her forehead reminds us of our own crosses. We all have our each separate thorns. But nothing is impossible with God and with the help of the intercession by these great Saints, it is yet but another example of God's tender love for each and every one of us. 

    Saint Rita!  Pray for us!