ALL SAINTS: Novena to St. Rita of Cascia

St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 1 - May 13: Prayer for Those Whose Hopes Have Been Frustrated

Reflection: St. Rita, born in 1381, dreamed of the convent, yet her parents bound her to marriage. Her heart bent to God’s will, trusting His unseen plan. O soul, when dreams shatter, do you despair? Rita’s life whispers: surrender is not defeat but a seed planted in faith. Her frustrated hope became a path to holiness, a cross embraced with love. In your own dashed desires, she calls you to trust, to see God’s hand where human plans fail. O spirit, lift your gaze! Her intercession turns frustration to grace, drawing you closer to the Father’s heart.
Prayer for Those Whose Hopes Have Been Frustrated: Glorious St. Rita, you wanted to enter the convent but your parents arranged a marriage for you. We pray for those whose hopes have been frustrated. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita, during your entire life on earth you found your happiness by following the will of our heavenly Father. Help me to be as trusting of God in all His designs for me. Help me this day to give myself to Him as you did, without limit, without fear, without counting the cost. Help me to be generous in serving the needs of others, patient in all difficulties, forgiving toward all who injure me. Help me to learn more deeply the great mystery of the cross of Jesus, so that by embracing it as you did, I may come to experience its power to heal and to save. Amen. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 2 - May 14: Prayer for Those Trapped in a Difficult Marriage and Experiencing Domestic Violence

Reflection: Bound to a harsh husband, St. Rita endured years of strife, her prayers a lifeline to heaven. “My peace I give you” (John 14:27) sustained her. O heart, where do you feel trapped? Her steadfastness amid violence shines as hope—God sees, God hears. She never ceased interceding for her spouse, a testament to love’s endurance. In your chains, whether physical or unseen, Rita bids you cling to Christ, the Liberator. O soul, seek her strength! Through her, find courage to trust God’s healing, even in the darkest hours.
Prayer for Those Trapped in a Difficult Marriage and Experiencing Domestic Violence: Glorious St. Rita, you lived for many years with a difficult husband at a time when there was no escape. You never stopped praying for him. We pray for all those fleeing from or experiencing domestic violence. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita… [as above]. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 3 - May 15: Prayer for the Mothers of Difficult Children and Teenagers

Reflection: St. Rita’s sons veered toward vengeance after their father’s murder, yet she prayed for their souls, even unto death. “Entrust your way to the Lord” (Psalm 37:5). O spirit, what weighs your heart? Her mother’s love surrendered them to God’s mercy, trusting His providence over her own desires. In your struggles with wayward children, she stands beside you, a beacon of hope. O soul, release your fears! Through her intercession, let trust guide you, placing your loved ones in the Father’s hands. Her faith is your refuge.
Prayer for the Mothers of Difficult Children and Teenagers: Glorious St. Rita, you wanted the best for your sons even if it meant their death. Help all mothers, fathers, and guardians of difficult children and teenagers to pray for them, and to entrust them to God’s providence and mercy. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita… [as above]. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 4 - May 16: Prayer for Those Who Experience Discord and Hatred in the Family

Reflection: Widowed, St. Rita brokered peace between warring families, her forgiveness a bridge over hatred’s chasm. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). O heart, where does discord reign? Her mercy softened hearts hardened by blood, a miracle of grace. In your family’s strife, she calls you to be a vessel of peace, to heal with love. O spirit, turn to her! Through her prayers, let Christ’s harmony mend what’s torn, transforming bitterness into unity. Her cross is your hope.
Prayer for Those Who Experience Discord and Hatred in the Family: Glorious St. Rita, you brokered peace between your husband’s family and the family of his murderer. We ask you to intercede anywhere in our lives where there is discord and hatred, and for all families affected by animosity. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita… [as above]. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 5 - May 17: Prayer for Those at Risk of Feeling Bitter

Reflection: Denied her convent dream, then widowed and childless, St. Rita bore unmet desires without bitterness. “My grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9). O soul, what festers within? She surrendered to God’s will, finding joy in His design. In your disappointments, she whispers: let go, trust Him. Bitterness blinds, but Rita’s heart saw beyond reward to love. O spirit, seek her grace! Through her intercession, may humility soften you, turning frustration to peace in His embrace.
Prayer for Those at Risk of Feeling Bitter: Glorious St. Rita, you did everything God asked of you, but He didn’t give you your heart’s desire. Help us not to become bitter if God has not rewarded us as we think we deserve. May we humbly ask His will. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita… [as above]. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 6 - May 18: Prayer for Us All to Persevere in Prayer

Reflection: Thrice rejected by the convent, St. Rita waited on God, her prayers a steady flame. “Ask, and it will be given” (Matthew 7:7) came true in His time. O heart, do you tire? Her persistence opened doors, a lesson in trust. In your pleas, she urges you to endure, to rest in God’s rhythm. O soul, hold fast! Through her prayers, let perseverance bloom, accepting His will with joy, whatever the answer. Her faith lights your way.
Prayer for Us All to Persevere in Prayer: Glorious St. Rita, you persevered in your desire to enter the convent, waiting on God’s time. Eventually, everything became easy and you were able to enter. Help us all to persevere in prayer for our intentions and trustingly accept God’s will whatever the outcome. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita… [as above]. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 7 - May 19: Prayer for Those Who Experience Painful Illness and Rejection

Reflection: Bearing a stinking wound from Christ’s thorn, St. Rita faced isolation, yet her peace was unshaken. “I share in His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). O spirit, what pain do you carry? She embraced rejection, knowing God’s love never fades. In your illness or loneliness, she calls you to the cross, where suffering meets grace. O soul, trust her! Through her intercession, may you find strength to bear all, secure in His eternal acceptance.
Prayer for Those Who Experience Painful Illness and Rejection: Glorious St. Rita, you endured painful illness and the rejection of your sisters because of the terrible stench of your wound. You accepted this in peace. May we too learn to accept suffering and rejection, knowing God will never reject us. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita… [as above]. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 8 - May 20: Prayer for Us to Be Open to Others

Reflection: In the convent, St. Rita’s wisdom and compassion drew souls to her counsel. “Love one another” (John 13:34) was her life’s song. O heart, where do you close off? Her open spirit welcomed all, a mirror of Christ’s embrace. In your busyness or hurt, she bids you listen, serve, and love. O soul, expand! Through her prayers, let generosity flow, making you a light to those in need. Her charity is your call.
Prayer for Us to Be Open to Others: Glorious St. Rita, you were famed for your compassion and wisdom and many people came to ask your help. Intercede for us that we can be open to others. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita… [as above]. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

Day 9 - May 21: Prayer for My Intention Which Seems Quite Impossible

Reflection: St. Rita, saint of the impossible, turned despair to miracles—roses in winter, a life transformed. “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). O spirit, what seems lost? Her final breath in 1457 crowned a journey of trust, her intercession a bridge to God’s power. In your deepest need, she stands with you, urging faith. O soul, cry out! Through her, may your impossible plea glorify Him, a testament to His mercy.
Prayer for My Intention Which Seems Quite Impossible: Glorious St. Rita, you are the saint of things despaired of. I pray that you intercede for me in this thing which seems impossible. I promise to use this favor, when granted, to better my life, to proclaim God’s mercy, and make you widely known and loved for the glory of God the Father. We pray especially for [mention your intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Prayer: Dear Saint Rita… [as above]. St. Rita of Cascia: Pray for us!

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Apr 9, 2024

Novena to St. Rita of Cascia