Attend Mass
The feast is celebrated on the same day in both the old calendar and new calendar.
If you would like to attend a traditional Mass for the feast, find a Traditional Latin Mass near you (click here to explore).
Plan a pilgrimage
Fisheaters.com reports:
“The monastery in Cascia once dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene is now known as the Monastero di Santa Rita da Cascia. Between 1937 and 1945, a basilica was constructed there to house St. Rita’s incorrupt body, and today it’s a site of many pilgrimages. On the eve of her feast, thousands of candles and torches are lit, and a procession is held on the feast itself— a journey from Roccaporena to Cascia. In Cascia, costumed historical reenactments of events in Rita’s life are made.”
If you live in the United States, consider a pilgrimage to or retreat at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
You can learn more at the website.
Ask your priest to perform the blessing of roses
There is a special Blessing of Roses for the Sick, on the feast of St. Rita of Cascia. Ask your priest, or attend a traditional service where the rite is performed.
P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.
R. Qui fecit coelum, et terram.
P. Domine exaudi orationem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum Spiritu tuo.
Oremus. Deus, creator, et conservator generis humani, dator gratiae spiritualis, et largitor humanae salutis, benedictione sancta tua bene + dic has rosas, quas pro gratiis exdesolvendis cum devotione et veneratione beatae Ritae, hodie tibi praesentamus, et petimus benedici, et infunde in eis per virtutem sanctae + Crucis benedictionem; ut quibuscumque infirmitatibus appositae fuerint, seu illorum, qui eas in domibus suis, vel locis cum devotione habuerint, aut portaverint, infirmitates sanentur; discedant diaboli, contremiscant, et fugiant pavidi cum suis ministris de habitationibus illis, nec amplius tibi servientes inquietare praesumant. Per Dominum nostrum, etc.
R. Amen.
(The roses are then sprinkled with holy water and incensed)
Oremus. Exaudi nos Deus Salutaris noster; ut sicut de beatae Ritae festivitate gaudemus; ita piae devotionis erudiamur affectu. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
***
P. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven and earth.
P. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
P. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy Spirit.
Let us pray. O God, Creator and Preserver of the human race, giver of spiritual grace and dispenser of salvation to men, with Thy holy benediction bless these roses which out of which devotion and veneration to blessed Rita we present Thee today and in thanksgiving beseech Thee to bless. Infuse into them Thy benediction by the power of the + Holy Cross, so that all infirmities, to which they may be applied, whether of those who with devotion preserve them in their homes or other places, or who carry them about with them may be healed. May the devils, put to confusion, and terrified, flee from these habitations and never more dare to disturb those who serve Thee. Through our Lord, etc.
R. Amen.
(The roses are then sprinkled with
holy water and incensed)
Let us pray. Hear us, O merciciful God, that as we rejoice in the feast of Blessed Rita so we may be enlightened by the love of pious devotion. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Read the story of st. rita
Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rita of Cascia was a wife, mother, widow, and member of a religious community. Her holiness was reflected in each phase of her life.
Born at Roccaporena in central Italy, Rita wanted to become a nun but was pressured at a young age into marrying a harsh and cruel man. During her 18-year marriage, she bore and raised two sons. After her husband was killed in a brawl and her sons had died, Rita tried to join the Augustinian nuns in Cascia. Unsuccessful at first because she was a widow, Rita eventually succeeded.
Over the years, her austerity, prayerfulness, and charity became legendary. When she developed wounds on her forehead, people quickly associated them with the wounds from Christ’s crown of thorns. She meditated frequently on Christ’s passion. Her care for the sick nuns was especially loving. She also counseled lay people who came to her monastery.
Beatified in 1626, Rita was not canonized until 1900. She has acquired the reputation, together with Saint Jude, as a saint of impossible cases. Many people visit her tomb each year.
(Reprinted from FranciscanMedia.org)