Saint Rita of Cascia is the saint of impossible cases and lost causes. Known as the “Advocate of the Hopeless,” she inspires millions with her unwavering faith through suffering and her miraculous intercession. Her novena brings comfort and hope to those facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The Novena Prayer to Saint Rita
Pray this prayer once daily for nine consecutive days:
Glorious Saint Rita, patroness of those in need, your intercession with our Lord is most powerful. Through the favors obtained by your prayers you have been called “Advocate of hopeless and even impossible cases.” Saint Rita, humble and pure; patient and compassionate lover of Christ Crucified! We have confidence that everyone who has recourse to you will find comfort and relief. Listen to our petitions and show your power with God on our behalf. Obtain our petitions for us if they are for the greater honor of God, and for our good. We promise, if our petitions are granted, to make known your favor, and to glorify God for His gift. Relying on your power with the merciful Savior, we ask of you… (mention your request in silence)
By the singular merits of your childhood, obtain our request for us.
By your perfect union with the Divine Will, obtain our request for us.
By your acceptance of troubles in your married life, obtain our request for us.
By the anguish felt at the murder of your husband, obtain our request for us.
By the surrender of your children, rather than have them offend God, obtain our request for us.
By your miraculous entrance into the convent, obtain our request for us.
By your daily penance and fasting, obtain our request for us.
By your courage and joy in bearing the mark of the Crucified Savior, obtain our request for us.
By the Divine Love which consumed your life, obtain our request for us.
By your devotion in receiving the Blessed Sacrament, obtain our request for us.
By the happiness you felt in leaving this life for union with Christ, obtain our request for us.
By the example you have given to people of every state of life, obtain our request for us.
Pray for us, Saint Rita, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father! In Your infinite love and mercy, You heed the prayer of Your beloved servant, Rita. You graciously grant favors through her intercession, which are considered impossible to human skill and effort. Relying on her compassionate love, we ask You to assist us in our trials and difficulties. Let unbelievers know that you are the helper of the humble, the defender of the weak, and the strength of those who trust in You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
About Saint Rita of Cascia
Rita was born in Cascia, Umbria, in 1381 to a poor family. Her parents raised her with deep piety and she desired to become a nun, but they arranged a marriage with a man of questionable character. For eighteen years she remained devoted to her husband and children, enduring his infidelities and violent nature. When he was murdered, rather than seek revenge, Rita forgave his killers and eventually witnessed their own conversion-a miracle attributed to her prayers.
After her husband’s death, Rita joined the Convent of Saint Mary Magdalen in Cascia, where she lived a life of extraordinary penance and mystical prayer. She became known for her deep meditation on the Passion of Christ, and in her old age experienced a phenomenon where a single thorn from Christ’s crown appeared on her forehead, bleeding regularly and causing her suffering until her death at age 76. This miraculous stigma made her a symbol of identification with Christ’s sufferings.
Saint Rita is invoked for causes deemed hopeless or impossible because of her own life of impossible circumstances transformed by faith. She received her feast day canonization in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII, and her intercession continues to provide comfort and hope to millions worldwide. She is depicted in art bearing a crown of thorns on her forehead and is often shown with roses-a symbol of her promised miracles.
Related Prayers and Devotions
Prayer to Saint Rita
Chaplet of Saint Rita
Litany of Saint Rita