Start Date: May 13
End Date: May 21
Feast Day: May 22
Patronage: Impossible causes, difficult marriages, wounded hearts, and forgiveness
Daily Intention:
For the grace to endure suffering with love, to forgive as Christ forgave, and to trust God in the face of the impossible.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer (to be said each day):
O holy patroness of those in need, Saint Rita, whose prayers before your Divine Lord are almost irresistible, and who, because of your generosity in granting favors, have been called the Advocate of the Hopeless and even of the Impossible, Saint Rita, so humble, so pure, so mortified, so patient, and so full of compassionate love for your crucified Jesus that you can obtain from Him whatever you ask—on account of this, all confidently turn to you, expecting, if not always relief, at least comfort. Be gracious to our petitions, show your power with God on behalf of your suppliants, and be generous with us, as you have been in so many wonderful cases, for the greater glory of God, the spreading of your devotion, and the consolation of those who trust in you. Amen.
DAY 1 : When Hope Is Frustrated
Bible Verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Reflection:
Saint Rita hoped to enter the convent and give her life wholly to God, but her path was changed when her parents arranged a marriage for her. Though her desire seemed denied, she surrendered her will and embraced a new calling. In times when our dreams are blocked or hopes frustrated, may we, like St. Rita, learn to place our trust in the loving plan of Our Adorable Jesus, who never abandons those who turn to Him.
Prayer:
Glorious St. Rita, you wanted to enter the convent but your parents arranged a marriage for you. We pray for those whose hope has been frustrated. We pray especially for [add your intention]. Amen.
DAY 2 : In Trials of Family and Marriage
Bible Verse:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
Reflection:
St. Rita endured a difficult and painful marriage with heroic patience and prayer. She never stopped loving or interceding for her husband, even in the face of cruelty. In her, we see the strength that comes from persevering with Our Adorable Jesus, who alone can bring healing and peace. For those wounded by domestic conflict or violence, may St. Rita’s example inspire courage, and may Christ’s mercy be their refuge.
Prayer:
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 [add your intention]. Amen.
DAY 3 : For Parents and Guardians in Distress
Bible Verse:
“Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
Reflection:
St. Rita loved her sons deeply, desiring their salvation above all else—even if it meant surrendering them to God through painful loss. Her unwavering trust reminds us that Our Adorable Jesus calls every parent and guardian to entrust their children to divine mercy, especially in difficult times. Through prayer, love, and sacrifice, we participate in God’s work of shaping hearts for eternity.
Prayer:
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 [add your intention]. Amen.
DAY 4 : For Peace and Reconciliation in Families
Bible Verse:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
— Matthew 5:9
Reflection:
St. Rita lived the Gospel of forgiveness by reconciling the families of her husband and his murderer. In a world torn by resentment and division, she shows us the healing power of Christ’s peace. Our Adorable Jesus invites us to be instruments of unity, even when it seems impossible. In St. Rita, we find strength to forgive and to seek reconciliation with humility and love.
Prayer:
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 [add your intention]. Amen.
DAY 5 : For Trust When Prayers Seem Unanswered
Bible Verse:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
— Psalm 37:4
Reflection:
St. Rita obeyed God in everything, yet she did not receive all she desired in life. Still, she remained faithful, knowing Our Adorable Jesus sees what is best for our souls. In moments when our prayers seem unheard or our dreams go unfulfilled, we are invited to surrender our will to His. Trusting in Jesus opens our hearts to the grace that transforms disappointment into peace.
Prayer:
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 [add your intention]. Amen.
DAY 6 : For Perseverance in Prayer and Trust in God’s Timing
Bible Verse:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
— Romans 12:12
Reflection:
St. Rita’s deep desire to enter the convent was delayed, yet she never gave up. She waited with trust until God opened the way. Her perseverance teaches us that Our Adorable Jesus honors faith that endures through trial. When delays trouble us or answers seem far away, let us not lose heart. In His perfect time, God works all things for good.
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 [add your intention]. Amen.
DAY 7 : For Grace in Suffering and Rejection
Bible Verse:
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…”
— Isaiah 53:3
Reflection:
St. Rita bore the pain of illness and rejection with quiet peace, trusting in God’s love even when others turned away. Her suffering, joined to Our Adorable Jesus, became a source of grace. When we are misunderstood, excluded, or afflicted, may we find comfort in the truth that Jesus never abandons us. His wounds make ours redemptive.
Prayer:
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 [add your intention]. Amen.
DAY 8 : For Compassion and Openness to Others
Bible Verse:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32
Reflection:
St. Rita was known for her compassion and wisdom, always open to those in need. Her heart mirrored the heart of Our Adorable Jesus, who welcomed the poor, the sick, and the outcast. May we follow her example, offering our love, time, and resources without hesitation, knowing that in serving others, we serve Christ Himself.
Prayer:
Glorious St. Rita, you were famed for your compassion and wisdom, and many people came to ask your help. Intercede for us that we may be open to others, especially those in need of love and understanding. We pray especially for [add your intention]. Amen.
DAY 9 : For the Intercession of St. Rita in the Impossible
Bible Verse:
“With God, all things are possible.”
— Matthew 19:26
Reflection:
St. Rita is known as the saint of things despaired of, for she intercedes for the most difficult situations. In times when everything seems impossible, we are reminded that with Our Adorable Jesus, nothing is beyond reach. Through trust and perseverance, we can experience His divine intervention, knowing that His will is always for our good.
Prayer:
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 to make you widely known and loved for the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Closing Prayer (to be said each day):
Relying upon your merits before the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we ask you to obtain for us our request. We honor your perfect union with the Divine Will, your heroic sufferings during your married life, the consolation you experienced at the conversion of your husband, the sacrifice of your children rather than see them grievously offend God, your miraculous entrance into the convent, your severe penances and thrice-daily bloody scourgings, the suffering caused by the wound you received from the thorn of your Crucified Savior, your divine love which consumed your heart, your remarkable devotion to the Blessed Sacrament on which you existed for four years, the happiness with which you parted from your trials to join your Divine Spouse, and the perfect example you gave to people of every state of life.
Pray for us, O holy St. Rita, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Litany to St Rita of Cascia
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us!
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us!
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us!
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of pure love, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Queen of all saints, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Model of life for Saint Rita, pray for us.
St. Rita, our advocate and protectress, pray for us.
St. Rita, beloved by the Lord, pray for us.
St. Rita, given special grace from heaven, pray for us.
St. Rita, remarkable in childhood, pray for us.
St. Rita, model of obedience to God’s Will, pray for us.
St. Rita, the peacemaker, pray for us.
St. Rita, of untiring patience, pray for us.
St. Rita, model of Christian mothers, pray for us.
St. Rita, mirror for Christian spouses, pray for us.
St. Rita, heroic in sacrifice, pray for us.
St. Rita, generous in forgiving, pray for us.
St. Rita, martyr in penitence, pray for us.
St. Rita, embracing humility and poverty, pray for us.
St. Rita, exemplary as a widow, pray for us.
St. Rita, prompt to answer the divine call, pray for us.
St. Rita, patient in suffering, pray for us.
St. Rita, mirror of religious observance, pray for us.
St. Rita, mystical rose of every virtue, pray for us.
St. Rita, enamoured of the Passion of Christ, pray for us.
St. Rita, pierced with a thorn, pray for us.
St. Rita, in ecstasy before the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us.
St. Rita, consumed with Divine Love, pray for us.
St. Rita, received into heaven with joy, pray for us.
St. Rita, incorrupt in your chaste body, pray for us.
St. Rita, advocate of impossible cases, pray for us.
St. Rita, persevering in prayer, pray for us.
St. Rita, help of those in need, pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Lord, you have signed your servant, Rita,
With the marks of Your love and Passion.
Let Us Pray
O God, who bestowed on St. Rita such grace that she loved her enemies, and bore in her heart and on her forehead the mark of Your love and Passion, grant us, we beseech You, through her merits and intercession, a love for our enemies. Through our contemplation of Your Son’s sufferings and Passion, may we merit the reward promised to the meek and the suffering. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Real Presence of Our Adorable Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament bless and sanctify us, filling our hearts with His love, peace, and grace, now and always. Amen.