(1386-1457) Saint Rita is the patron saint of abuse victims, difficult marriages, and impossible causes. Rita wanted to be a nun but was forced to marry a harsh, cruel man. She was a good wife and mother, and after her husband was killed in a brawl and her twin sons died young, she became an Augustinian nun. Rita bore a deep wound on the forehead that many associated with the crown of thorns.
We can learn from Saint Rita about the power of forgiveness and letting go of resentments. She also shows us that being part of a family can be messy, but we can pursue God in the midst of that mess. Focus on the message, not on the mess. Bring that message to the still suffering (Step 12).
“Dear Christian families, by imitating her example, may you also know how to find in your fidelity to Christ the strength to fulfill your mission of service to the civilization of love!” (Pope Saint John Paul II, on the centenary of Saint Rita’s canonization, May 20, 2000)
Reflection by Brad Farmer