St. Rita of Cascia is patron saint of those with marital problems and who face abuse.
Rita was especially devoted to the Passion of Christ, meditating often on Jesus’ surrender in those moments, especially during his agony in the garden, when he prayed, “Not thy will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This was her foundational prayer, born out of years of suffering.
When Rita was young, she wanted to be a nun, but her parents had other plans, arranging her marriage with Paolo Mancini. He was violent and angry, and unfortunately, he took it out on Rita. For 18 years, Rita prayed “Thy will be done” as she prayed for her husband’s conversion. Before his death by murder in a local feud, his character finally softened, giving Rita peace for his eternal life.
Rita forgave her husband’s killers, but unfortunately, her two sons did not follow her lead. Instead, they plotted their revenge. Rita, caring more for their eternal salvation, prayed this difficult prayer: That her sons would not commit this mortal sin and, if necessary, be taken to heaven before they could sin. God answered her prayer, and her sons died of natural causes before they could murder their father’s killers.
With her family gone, Rita entered a convent, praying for the rest of her days, continuing to further her devotion to the Passion of Christ.
Lessons From St. Rita of Cascia
In her final years, Rita was devoted to prayer and meditating on the Passion of Christ. Her deep devotion was born out of her suffering in her marriage and her motherhood, and brought her comfort and strength to pray for the conversion of her family members.
Meditating on the Passion of Christ can bring us comfort and grace to bear our trials patiently, uniting them to Christ’s passion so they can bear fruit. May St. Rita intercede for us to be able to follow her example.
To learn more about saints who faced trauma, visit this page.