2016
What is the Holy Trinity - 10 Points to SHARE on #HolyTrinity from the Catechism - Bible - History
Free Catholic Movie - RITA - Stars Vittoria Belvedere - Life of St. Rita
1. What is the Trinity
The Trinity refers to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit the 3 Persons in 1 God. This defininition of God involves three consubstantial persons or hypostases.
CCC 232 Christians are baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"53 Before receiving the sacrament, they respond to a three-part question when asked to confess the Father, the Son and the Spirit: "I do." "The faith of all Christians rests on the Trinity."54
The word "Trinity" comes from the Latin noun "trinitas" meaning "three are one." It was first introduced by Tertullian at the end of the 2nd century.
3. Do all Christians accept the Trinity?
Yes, the doctrine of the Trinity is Key to the Christian Faith however, some non-Christian churches reject the doctrine of the Trinity including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Unitarians and others.
4. Is the Trinity a Mystery?
CCC234 The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the "hierarchy of the truths of faith".56 The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men "and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin".57
The Trinity is mentioned in the Bible: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ... (Matthew 28:19, ESV)
Jesus said, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me." (John 15:26, ESV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14, ESV)
6. Is the Trinity One or Three Gods?
CCC 253 The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the "consubstantial Trinity".83 The divine persons do not share the one divinity among themselves but each of them is God whole and entire: "The Father is that which the Son is, the Son that which the Father is, the Father and the Son that which the Holy Spirit is, i.e. by nature one God."84 In the words of the Fourth Lateran Council (1215), "Each of the persons is that supreme reality, viz., the divine substance, essence or nature."85
CCC 254 The divine persons are really distinct from one another. "God is one but not solitary."86 "Father", "Son", "Holy Spirit" are not simply names designating modalities of the divine being, for they are really distinct from one another: "He is not the Father who is the Son, nor is the Son he who is the Father, nor is the Holy Spirit he who is the Father or the Son."87 They are distinct from one another in their relations of origin: "It is the Father who generates, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds."88 The divine Unity is Triune.
7. Is the Trinity found in the Old Testament?
Yes, the Old Testament has Bible Verses referring to the Trinity including Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:22, Deuteronomy 6:4.
8. What is the Nicene Creed?
(Shortened From the Catholic Encyclopedia) The Nicene Creed, as approved in amplified form at the Council of Constantinople (381), is the profession of the Christian Faith common to the Catholic Church, to all the Eastern Churches separated from Rome, and to most of the Protestant denominations. It expresses Belief in the Holy Trinity:
We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen."
9. Has the Church always believed in the Trinity?
Yes, the Catholic Church has always believed in the Trinity. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity was established as a Double of the Second Class by Pope John XXII it is celebrated on the Sunday after Pentecost. It was made a Double of the First Class by Pope Pius X on 24 July 1911.The liturgical color is white.
10. When was the term Trinity first Recorded?
The first time the Greek word was used was in the works of Theophilus of Antioch in about 170.
CCC refers to sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
8. What is the Nicene Creed?
(Shortened From the Catholic Encyclopedia) The Nicene Creed, as approved in amplified form at the Council of Constantinople (381), is the profession of the Christian Faith common to the Catholic Church, to all the Eastern Churches separated from Rome, and to most of the Protestant denominations. It expresses Belief in the Holy Trinity:
We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen."
9. Has the Church always believed in the Trinity?
Yes, the Catholic Church has always believed in the Trinity. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity was established as a Double of the Second Class by Pope John XXII it is celebrated on the Sunday after Pentecost. It was made a Double of the First Class by Pope Pius X on 24 July 1911.The liturgical color is white.
10. When was the term Trinity first Recorded?
The first time the Greek word was used was in the works of Theophilus of Antioch in about 170.
CCC refers to sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
#PopeFrancis "....encourages us to live in love and fraternal sharing, assured that where there is love, there is God.” Holy Trinity Angelus - Video
(Vatican Radio) “The feast of the Holy Trinity invites us to engage in the daily events to be the leaven of communion, of consolation and of mercy.” Those were Pope Francis' words during his Angelus address on a sunny Trinity Sunday from his studio above St Peter’s Square. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of St. John, the Pope said that Jesus knew how to be close to the realization of the Father's plan, which will be fulfilled by his death and resurrection; “for this, Pope Francis continued, he wants to ensure his followers that he will not abandon them because his mission will be prolonged by the Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Father explained that the Holy Spirit “guides us into new life situations with an eye to Jesus and, at the same time, open to events and to the future.” “He takes care of the wounded flesh of humanity from injustice, oppression, hatred and greed.” Then the Pope described how the Trinity is a family of three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit which is not closed in on itself, but it is open, The Trinitarian horizon of communion, said Pope Francis, “embraces us all, and encourages us to live in love and fraternal sharing, assured that where there is love, there is God.”
The Holy Father went on to say that, our being created in the image and likeness of God calls us to understand ourselves as beings living interpersonal relations in solidarity and love for one another. Following the recitation of the Marian Prayer, the Pope recalled that May 23rd sees the start of the First World Humanitarian Summit, due to take place in Istanbul, Turkey. The Holy Father prayed that the participants would fully commit themselves to the main humanitarian goal, that is, “to save the life of every human being, without exception, especially the innocent and the defenseless.”
Pope Francis also noted that on Tuesday, May 24, the Catholic faithful in China, would be celebrating their particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary "Help of Christians", venerated in the Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai. Let us ask Mary, he said, “ to give his children in China the ability to discern at all times the signs of the loving presence of God, who always welcomes and forgives.”
#Novena to the Most Holy Trinity and Litany #Prayers to SHARE #HolyTrinity
The Litany of the Most Holy TrinityFor Private Use Only.Blessed be the holy Trinity and undivided Unity; We will give glory to Him, because He hath shown His mercy to us.V. O Lord our Lord, how wonderful is Thy Name in all the earth! R. O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God!Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Blessed Trinity, hear us. Adorable Unity, graciously hear us.God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, etc. Holy Trinity, One God, Father from Whom are all things, Son through Whom are all things, Holy Ghost in Whom are all things, Holy and undivided Trinity, Father everlasting, Only-begotten Son of the Father, Spirit Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Co-eternal Majesty of Three Divine Persons, Father, the Creator, Son, the Redeemer, Holy Ghost, the Comforter, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, Who art, Who wast, and Who art to come, God Most High, Who inhabitest eternity, To Whom alone are due all honor and glory, Who alone doest great wonders, Power infinite, Wisdom incomprehensible, Love unspeakable,Be merciful, Spare us, O Holy Trinity. Be merciful, Graciously hear us, O Holy Trinity.From all evil, Deliver us, O Holy Trinity. From all sin, Deliver us, O Holy Trinity. From all pride, etc. From all love of riches, From all uncleanness, From all sloth, From all inordinate affection, From all envy and malice, From all anger and impatience, From every thought, word, and deed contrary to Thy holy law, From Thine everlasting malediction, Through Thine almighty power, Through Thy plenteous loving kindness, Through the exceeding treasure of Thy goodness and love, Through the depths of Thy wisdom and knowledge, Through all Thy unspeakable perfections, We sinners Beseech Thee, hear us.That we may ever serve Thee alone, We beseech Thee, hear us. That we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth, We beseech Thee, hear us. That we may love Thee with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength, etc. That, for Thy sake, we may love our neighbor as ourselves, That we may faithfully keep Thy holy commandments, That we may never defile our bodies and souls with sin, That we may go from grace to grace, and from virtue to virtue, That we may finally enjoy the sight of Thee in glory, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to hear us,O Blessed Trinity, We beseech Thee, deliver us. O Blessed Trinity, We beseech Thee, save us. O Blessed Trinity, Have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.Our Father [silently]. Hail Mary [silently].V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of Heaven, R. And worthy to be praised, and glorious, and highly exalted forever.Let Us Pray. Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast granted Thy servants in the confession of the True Faith, to acknowledge the glory of an Eternal Trinity, and in the power of Thy majesty to adore a Unity: we beseech Thee that by the strength of this faith we may be defended from all adversity. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. R. Amen.Litany from Catholic TraditionNOVENA to the Most Holy Trinity( Say for 9 days - Each day Say 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and 1 Glory Be)God Eternal Father, bless me through the love with which You have begotten Your only Son from all eternity and shared with Him the fullness of Your Divinity. Bless me through the love which has adopted us as children, and made us partakers of the treasures of Your Divinity. Bless me through the love which sent us Your Son and the Holy Spirit to work the miracles of Your power and mercy in us. Grant that I may always revere and honor You as my great God, and love You with my whole heart as the best of fathers. Eternal Father, grant my petition:(Mention your request)God Eternal Son, image of the splendor of the Father, bless me through the love with which You surround us, Your poor creatures. You have become our Brother according to the flesh to make us Your brothers according to Your Divinity, and an image of Your splendor. Bless me through the marvelous goodness of Your Sacred Heart which chose death to bring us life. Bless me through the love with which You plead for us before the throne of God, in the Blessed Sacrament, and with which You give Yourself to us in Holy Communion. Grant that all this love and bitter pain may not be lost on me. Eternal Son, grant my petition:(Mention your request)God Holy Spirit, mutual Love of the Father and the Son, bless me through the love with which You proceed from the Father and the Son and unite Them in eternal unity. Bless me through the love with which You give Yourself to us as our greatest Gift, dispensing Your Divine graces to us and transforming sinners into children of God. Bless me through the love with which You dwell in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through Whose merits the earth is filled with grace, and made a dwelling place for the God of heaven. Grant that I, Your faithful servant, may always allow You to lead me so I may advance in virtue and reach eternal happiness. Eternal Holy Spirit, grant my petition:(Mention your request)Most Holy Trinity, Godhead indivisible, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, our first beginning and our last end, You have made us after Your own image and likeness. Grant that all the thoughts of my mind, all the words of my mouth, all the affections of my heart, and all my actions be always conformed to Your holy Will. After having seen You here below in Your manifestations and by faith, may I come at last to see You face to face in the perfect possession of You forever in heaven. Amen.Prayer: Almighty and Everlasting God, by the profession of the true faith, You have given us, Your servants, grace to acknowledge the glory of the Eternal Trinity, and in the power of Your Divine Majesty to worship the Unity. We beg You to grant that, by our fidelity in this same faith, we may always be defended from all dangers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.Novena from American Needs FatimaChaplet from IbreviaryCHAPLET OF THE HOLY TRINITY+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. V. Lord, open my lips. R. And my mouth will proclaim your praise. V. God, come to my assistance. R. Lord, make haste to help me. V. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,R. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen. The decade below is recited three times, once for each member of the Trinity. All: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. The following is repeated nine times: V. O Blessed Trinity, to you be praise, and glory, and thanksgiving, for ever and ever! R. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory. After the ninth time is said: V. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, R. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen. After the three decades: With all our heart and voice we acknowledge you, we praise you, and we bless you, O God the Unbegotten Father, the Only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, the Comforter; one, holy and undivided Trinity. Glory to you forever. V. Let us bless the Father, and the Son with the Holy Spirit. R. Let us praise and exalt him above all forever. Let us pray God our Father, who by sending into the world the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification made known to the human race your wondrous mystery, grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. R. Amen All: O Blessed Trinity, free us, save us, and enliven us. + May God the Father, who has granted us salvation in Christ, his Son, and in the Holy Spirit, and has given joy to the whole world, shower us with his graces and his love. R. Amen.
Free Catholic Movie - RITA - Stars Vittoria Belvedere - Life of St. Rita
#Novena Prayer to St. Rita - Patron of Impossible Cases - SHARE Miracle Prayer
O holy protectress of those who art in greatest need, thou who shineth as a star of hope in the midst of darkness, blessed Saint Rita, bright mirror of God's grace, in patience and fortitude thou art a model of all the states in life. I unite my will with the will of God through the merits of my Savior Jesus Christ, and in particular through his patient wearing of the crown of thorns, which with tender devotion thou didst daily contemplate. Through the merits of the holy Virgin Mary and thine own graces and virtues, I ask thee to obtain my earnest petition, provided it be for the greater glory of God and my own sanctification. Guide and purify my intention, O holy protectress and advocate, so that I may obtain the pardon of all my sins and the grace to persevere daily, as thou didst in walking with courage, generosity, and fidelity down the path of life. [Mention your request.]
Saint Rita, advocate of the impossible, pray for us.
Saint Rita, advocate of the helpless, pray for us.
Saint Rita, advocate of the helpless, pray for us.
Pray each day of the Novena : 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, and 1 Glory Be
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Sunday Mass Online : Sun. May 22, 2016 : Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity - Readings and Video
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Lectionary: 166
Reading 1PRV 8:22-31
Thus says the wisdom of God:
"The LORD possessed me, the beginning of his ways,
the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;
from of old I was poured forth,
at the first, before the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no fountains or springs of water;
before the mountains were settled into place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world.
"When the Lord established the heavens I was there,
when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;
when he made firm the skies above,
when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;
when he set for the sea its limit,
so that the waters should not transgress his command;
then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the human race."
"The LORD possessed me, the beginning of his ways,
the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;
from of old I was poured forth,
at the first, before the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no fountains or springs of water;
before the mountains were settled into place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world.
"When the Lord established the heavens I was there,
when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;
when he made firm the skies above,
when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;
when he set for the sea its limit,
so that the waters should not transgress his command;
then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the human race."
Responsorial PsalmPS 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. (2a) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place —
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet:
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith
to this grace in which we stand,
and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions,
knowing that affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope,
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place —
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet:
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Reading 2ROM 5:1-5
Brothers and sisters:Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith
to this grace in which we stand,
and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions,
knowing that affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope,
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
AlleluiaCF. RV 1:8
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
to God who is, who was, and who is to come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you."
Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
to God who is, who was, and who is to come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 16:12-15
Jesus said to his disciples:"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you."
Saint May 22 : St. Rita of Cascia : Patron of #Impossible Causes, #Marriage Problems and #Abuse Victims
St. Rita of Cascia
AUGUSTINIAN NUN
Feast: May 22
The Precious Pearl/The Story of Saint Rita of Casica (Abridged) by Michael DiGregorio, OSA| Feast Day: | May 22 |
| Born: |
1381, Roccaporena, Perugia, Umbria, Italy
|
| Died: | May 22, 1457, Cascia, Perugia, Umbria, Italy |
| Canonized: | May 24, 1900, Rome by Pope Leo XIII |
| Patron of: | Lost and impossible causes, sickness, wounds, marital problems, abuse, mothers |
Antonio and Amata Lotti, natives of Roccaporena, a tiny village in the Umbrian Hills of the republic of Cascia, were well-respected peacemakers in their town who welcomed their only child, Margherita in 1381. In the local dialect, her name meant “pearl” and she was known as Rita. Baptized in the church of St. Augustine in Cascia, Rita became acquainted with the local Augustinian nuns of St. Mary Magdalene and was attracted to their way of life. But her parents arranged a marriage for her in order to provide safety and security, and so Rita obediently married Paolo Mancini with whom she had two sons. In the climate of the times, there was often open conflict between families, and her husband Paolo was murdered. Her sons were young, but the expectation would be for them eventually to avenge the murder of their father to defend family honor. Rita, influenced by the peacemaking example of her parents, pledged to forgive her husband’s killers. She faced a steep challenge, however, in convincing her sons to do the same. Tradition has it that she often pointed out to them the image of the crucified Christ and the fact that he forgave those who killed him. Within a year, however, both sons succumbed to a deadly illness leaving Rita not only a widow, but also childless. Following these tragedies, Rita placed her trust in God, accepting them and relying on her deep faith to find her way. After eighteen years of marriage, Rita felt called to a second but familiar vocation, to religious life in the Augustinian convent.
But the sisters were hesitant and refused her request; however, Rita was not discouraged, convinced that she was called to the contemplative community. The sisters even more firmly refused, citing that although Rita had forgiven her husband’s killers, her family had not. There were members of the rival family in the convent; her presence would be detrimental to community harmony. And so, inspired by her three patron saints (Augustine, Nicholas of Tolentino and John the Baptist), Rita set out to make peace between the families. She went to her husband’s family and exhorted them to put aside their hostility and stubbornness. They were convinced by her courage and agreed. The rival family, astounded by this overture of peace, also agreed. The two families exchanged a peace embrace and signed a written agreement, putting the vendetta to rest forever. A fresco depicting the scene of the peace embrace was placed on a wall of the Church of Saint Francis in Cascia, an enduring reminder of the power of good over evil and a testament to the widow whose forgiving spirit achieved the impossible.
At the age of 36, Rita finally was accepted into the Augustinian convent. She lived a regular life of prayer, contemplation and spiritual reading, according to the Rule of Saint Augustine. For forty years she lived this routine lifestyle, until fifteen years before her death, on Good Friday 1442, she had an extraordinary experience. In contemplation before an image of Jesus that was very dear to her, the Jesus of Holy Saturday or, as it is also known,the Resurgent Christ, she was moved by a deeper awareness of the physical and spiritual burden of pain which Christ so freely and willingly embraced for love of her and of all humanity. With the tender, compassionate heart of a person fully motivated by grateful love, she spoke her willingness to relieve Christ’s suffering by sharing even the smallest part of his pain. Her offer was accepted, her prayer was answered, and Rita was united with Jesus in a profound experience of spiritual intimacy, a thorn from his crown penetrating her forehead. The wound it caused remained open and visible until the day of her death.
Toward the end of her life, Rita progressively weakened physically. Several months before her death, she was visited by a relative from Roccaporena who asked if she could do something for her. Rita at first declined, but then made a simple request to have a rose from the garden of her family home brought to her. However, it was January, the dead of winter in the hills of Umbria. But upon her return home, the relative passed Rita’s family garden and found to her astonishment a single fresh rose in the snow-covered garden on an otherwise barren bush. She immediately returned to the convent where she presented it to Rita who accepted it with quiet and grateful assurance. For the four decades she had spent in Casica’s convent she had prayed especially for her husband Paolo, who had died so violently, and for her two sons, who had died so young. The dark, cold earth of Roccaporena, which held their mortal remains, had now produced a beautiful sign of spring and beauty out of season. So, Rita believed, had God brought forth, through her prayers, their eternal life despite tragedy and violence. She now knew that she would soon be one with them again.
Rita died peacefully on May 22, 1457. An old and revered tradition records that the bells of the convent immediately began to peal unaided by human hands, calling the people of Cascia to the doors of the convent, and announcing the triumphant completion of a life faithfully lived. The nuns prepared her for burial and placed her in a simple wooden coffin. A carpenter who had been partially paralyzed by a stroke, voiced the sentiments of many others when he spoke of the beautiful life of this humble nun in bringing lasting peace to the people of Cascia. “If only I were well,” he said, “I would have prepared a place more worthy of you.” With those words, Rita’s first miracle was performed, as he was healed. He fashioned the elaborate and richly decorated coffin which would hold Rita’s body for several centuries. She was never buried in it, however. So many people came to look upon the gentle face of the “Peacemaker of Cascia” that her burial had to be delayed. It became clear that something exceptional was occurring as her body seemed to be free from nature’s usual course. It is still preserved today, now in a glass-enclosed coffin, in the basilica of Cascia. Text from St. Rita Shrine
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