Perseverance when doors seem permanently closed

From the Novena to St. Rita of Cascia

Sacred Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8

Meditation for Day 4

Three times Rita presented herself at the Augustinian convent in Cascia, and three times she was turned away because the sisters believed a widow could not be admitted. Yet she continued to seek, to knock, and to ask — and at last she was received after God Himself seemed to open the way. The Lord promised, ‘Knock, and it will be opened to you; for everyone who knocks it is opened’ (Mt 7:7–8). If you face a situation that seems permanently closed off, Saint Rita’s example invites you to persevere in prayer rather than give way to despair.

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.)