Hope in God's providence during long illness or trial

From the Novena to St. Rita of Cascia

Sacred Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Meditation for Day 8

Saint Rita spent her final years in a prolonged and painful illness, often confined to her cell, yet she continued to intercede for others from her sickbed. The prophet Isaiah promised: ‘They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles’ (Is 40:31). Rita did not wait in passive resignation but in active, prayerful hope. According to tradition, a rose blossomed for her in the dead of winter, becoming a cherished sign of God’s nearness. If you or someone you love is worn down by long illness or persistent trial, ask Saint Rita to intercede for renewed strength and unexpected signs of grace.

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.)