Trust in God's mercy for those we love

From the Novena to St. Rita of Cascia

Sacred Scripture: John 11:35-40

Meditation for Day 6

Rita poured out her heart in intercession for her sons, refusing to believe their souls were beyond God’s mercy even in the grip of a blood feud. When Jesus stood before the tomb of Lazarus He wept, showing the depth of divine compassion, then commanded: ‘Take away the stone’ (Jn 11:39) — calling forth life where all had resigned themselves to death. Saint Rita teaches us to trust that no beloved soul is beyond Christ’s reach. Bring before God today the name of someone you love who seems lost, hardened, or far from grace, and ask Rita to add her intercession to yours.

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.)