Forgiveness and healing of wounds caused by others

From the Novena to St. Rita of Cascia

Sacred Scripture: Matthew 18:21-22

Meditation for Day 7

Rita’s husband was killed in a local feud, and her deepest desire as a mother was that her sons would forgive the killers rather than perpetuate the cycle of violence; before they died, both did forgive. When Peter asked how often he must forgive, Jesus answered ‘seventy-seven times’ (Mt 18:22), pointing to a forgiveness without arithmetic limit. Saint Rita bore grave injustice without seeking revenge, modeling the freedom that only radical forgiveness can bring. Ask her intercession today for the grace to forgive whoever has wronged you, and for healing of any wound their offense has left behind.

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.)