Basilica of St. Rita (Tomb of St. Rita)
The tomb of St. Rita, patroness of impossible causes, whose incorrupt body is venerated.
St. Rita of Cascia → Plan a trip hereThe Story
The Basilica of St. Rita in Cascia, in the mountains of Umbria, holds the body of one of Italy's most beloved saints — the wife, mother, widow, and Augustinian nun invoked around the world as the patroness of impossible causes. Rita was born about 1381 at Roccaporena, a hamlet near Cascia. Married young to a hot-tempered husband, she bore the hardships of a difficult marriage with patience and prayer. When her husband was murdered in a local feud, Rita publicly forgave his killers and worked to end the cycle of vendetta; her two sons died soon after. Left alone, she sought entry to the Augustinian monastery of Cascia, where she lived some forty years in prayer, penance, and charity. According to the traditional account, in 1432 Rita received a wound on her forehead as if from a thorn of Christ's crown while praying before an image of the crucified Lord — a mark she bore until her death on May 22, 1457. Devotion began immediately, and her body, which devotees report has remained remarkably preserved, is venerated in a glass reliquary in the basilica. Leo XIII canonized her in 1900. The flood of pilgrims outgrew the old church, and the present basilica was built between 1937 and 1947 beside the Augustinian monastery; Pope Pius XII raised it to the rank of minor basilica in 1955. Pilgrims come throughout the year — above all for the feast on May 22, when roses are blessed in memory of the rose that tradition says bloomed in winter at Rita's request — seeking her intercession in causes that seem beyond hope.
Church Recognition
St. Rita was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1900, and the church at Cascia holding her remains was raised to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1955; her memorial is kept on May 22.
Catholic Teaching
St. Rita's forgiveness of her husband's killers embodies the Gospel command to forgive as we are forgiven (CCC 2842–2845), and the veneration of her body reflects the Church's honor for the saints and confidence in their intercession (CCC 956; 1674).
Plan Your Visit
Practical
Additional Information
The Basilica of St. Rita in Cascia is a major Italian pilgrimage site.
Go Deeper
See the sanctuary's official website at https://santaritadacascia.org, CCC 2842–2845 on forgiveness, and the lives of St. Rita published by the Augustinian community of Cascia.
Location
Visit the official website ↗ See it on the interactive map →Pilgrim Photos
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In the Area
Other sacred sites within 40 miles.