St. Rita, Pray for Us

For more than 100 years, the Augustinians in Chicago have held an annual novena to the saint who is a patron of impossible causes. St. Rita was born in Italy and became a wife and mother before entering the religious life after the death of her husband and sons. During her visions she received the wounds on her head that were similar to the wounds of Christ from the crown of thorns.
Augustinian Father Tom McCarthy incenses a shrine to St. Rita during a novena and Mass on the feast of St. Rita, May 22. McCarthy was the main celebrant on the last night of the annual novena at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western. (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)
Janet Wolniak Bender of St. Albert the Great Parish sings during the novena Mass on May 22. (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)
A woman holds a rose during a procession around the church with St. Rita's relic. More than 1,000 fresh roses were distributed during the last night of the novena. (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)

Advertising