According to the “Life” (Acta SS., May, V, 224) written at the
time of her beatification by Augstinian, Jacob Carelicci, from
two older biographies, Saint Rita was the daughter of parents
advanced in years and distinguished for charity which merited
them the surname of “Peacemakers of Jesus Christ”. St. Rita’s
great desire was to become a nun, but, in obedience to the will
of her parents, she, at the age of twelve, married a man
extremely cruel and ill-tempered. For eighteen years she was a
model wife and mother. When her husband was murdered, she
tried in vain to dissuade her twin sons from attempting to take
revenge; she appealed to Heaven to prevent such a crime on
their part, and they were taken away by death, reconciled to
God. She applied for admission to the Augustinian convent at
Cascia, but, being a widow, was refused. By continued
entreaties, and, as is related, by Divine intervention, she gained
admission, received the habit of the order and in due time her
profession. As a religious she was an example for all, excelled
in mortifications, ad was widely known for the efficacy of her
prayers.
Urban VIII, in 1637, permitted her Mass and Office. Because
of the many miracles reported to have been wrought at her
intercession she received, in Spain, the title of La Santa de los
Impossibles. She was solemnly canonized 24 May, 1900.
Newadvent.org
Prayer to Saint Rita – Patroness of Impossible Cases
O God, who didst vouchsafe to communicate so great a grace to
St. Rita that she imitated Thine example in the love of enemies
and bore in her heart and on her countenance the sacred marks
of Thy love and passion: grant, we beseech Thee, by her merits
and intercession, that we may love our enemies and ever
contemplate with deep contrition the sorrows of Thy Passion:
Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.