Surrender to God's will in all things

From the Novena to St. Rita of Cascia

Sacred Scripture: Luke 1:38

Meditation for Day 1

Saint Rita’s life began with a profound act of surrender: though she longed for the cloister, she accepted her parents’ wish and married, trusting that God’s will was at work even in what she had not chosen. Mary modeled this same total surrender when she said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word’ (Lk 1:38). Like Mary, Rita did not know the full shape of God’s plan, yet she gave her whole self to it. On this first day, offer to God whatever in your life feels like a closed door, and ask Saint Rita to teach you the peace that comes from complete surrender.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Closing Prayer

O excellent St. Rita, worker of miracles, from thy sanctuary in Cascia, where in all thy beauty thou sleepest in peace, where thy relics exhale breaths of paradise, turn thy merciful eyes on me who suffer and weep! Thou seest my poor bleeding heart surrounded by thorns. Thou seest, O dear Saint, that my eyes have no more tears to shed, so much have I wept! Weary and discouraged as I am, I feel the very prayers dying on my lips. Must I thus despair in this crisis of my life? O come, St. Rita, come to my aid and help me. Art thou not called the Saint of the Impossible, Advocate to those in despair? Then honor thy name, procuring for me from God the favor that I ask. [Here ask the favor you wish to obtain.] Everyone praises thy glories, everyone tells of the most amazing miracles performed through thee, must I alone be disappointed because thou hast not heard me? Ah no! Pray then, pray for me to thy sweet Lord Jesus that He be moved to pity by my troubles and that, through thee, O good St. Rita, I may obtain what my heart so fervently desires. (Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father, three times.)