Our Patron Saint, St. Rita

We are honored to have our school named after St. Rita, who was a devoted, humble saint of God. We invite you to learn more about our school’s namesake.

Learn More About St. Rita

St. Rita was born at Spoleto, Italy, in 1381. At an early age she begged her parents to allow her to enter a convent, but they arranged a marriage for her instead. Rita was a good wife and mother, but her husband had a violent temper. He often mistreated his wife in anger and taught their children his own evil ways.

Rita performed her duties faithfully, prayed, and received the sacraments frequently. After nearly 20 years of marriage, an enemy stabbed her husband. However, before he died, he repented because Rita prayed for him. Shortly afterwards her two sons died, and Rita was alone in the world. Prayer, fasting, penances of many kinds, and good works filled her days. Upon her admittance to the convent of the Augustinian nuns at Cascia in Umbria, St. Rita began a life of perfect obedience and great charity.

Sister Rita had a great devotion to the Passion of Christ. "Please let me suffer like you, Divine Saviour," she said one day, and suddenly one of the thorns from the crucifix struck her on the forehead. It left a deep wound, which did not heal and which caused her much suffering for the rest of her life.

She died on May 22, 1457. She is the Patroness of Impossible Causes, and her feast day is May 22.