Saint14th–15th century · Feast May 22
Also known as Margherita Lotti, Saint Rita, Rita of Roccaporena
A wife, mother, widow and Augustinian nun whose life of grief, reconciliation and persevering prayer made her a beloved patron of impossible causes.
Rita married and had two sons in a household marked by serious conflict. After her husband was killed and her sons died, she pursued reconciliation between feuding families and later entered the Augustinian community at Cascia. Her life became associated with patient prayer, forgiveness and hope amid circumstances she could not control.
Rita lived in central Italy during a period of local feuds, fragile civic order and strong family loyalties.
Persevering prayer, reconciliation, forgiveness, grief carried with Christ and hope in impossible circumstances.
Rita speaks to people living through family conflict, widowhood, bereavement and situations where reconciliation seems beyond reach.
People turn to St Rita of Cascia in matters of:
God of reconciliation, through St Rita’s intercession give courage and safe support to families in conflict, comfort the bereaved and renew hope where peace seems impossible. Amen.
c. 1381
Is born at Roccaporena
late 14th century
Marries and becomes the mother of two sons
early 15th century
Is widowed and later loses both sons
15th century
Enters the Augustinian monastery at Cascia
22 May 1457
Dies at Cascia
Source-quality status: unverified prototype