Union with the suffering Christ

From the Novena to St. Rita of Cascia

Sacred Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Meditation for Day 5

The most dramatic sign of Rita’s spiritual life was the wound she received on her forehead while meditating on the crown of thorns — a mark of the Passion that opened when she begged to share in Christ’s sufferings. She lived with this painful wound for years, understanding that Christian life means, as Paul wrote, ‘it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me’ (Gal 2:20). Whatever wound or cross marks your life today, Saint Rita invites you to see it as a point of union with the crucified Lord rather than as pure loss. Offer your suffering with hers and with His.

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.)