Of course, when we read every day about a different saint that's celebrated by the church, we're going to meet some amazing people. But I'm surprised I've never heard of St Rita of Cascia because she was so remarkable!
She lived in Italy in the 14th century. Her husband was murdered, leaving her with two sons. She forgave her husband's killers, but her two sons vowed revenge. She tried to get them to forgive, but they refused. Then they got sick, after she prayed that they would not continue the cycle of hate with the other family. They forgave those who killed their father before they died of the sickness.
Left alone, St Rita wanted to join a local convent. But the sisters there strongly refused her (the text I read didn't say why.) She prayed, and two miracles happened: she was able to reconcile two other feuding families (apparently fair Verona was rife with Montagues and Capulets), and then some saints guided St Rita past the locked doors of the convent into the chambers where she could not have gotten on her own. Amazed, the sisters relented and let her join them.
When she was praying before the Eucharist, asking to be united to Jesus, she received a miracle. Her forehead was pierced with a thorn, like from the crown of thorns. The wound stayed with her for life.
After she died, many more miracles were attributed to her intercession, especially in desperate circumstances. You can read more about her here.
When things look desperate in your life, look to Jesus. It's a great time for Him to show you what He can do.
God, thanks for the amazing life of this woman who trusted You. St Rita of Cascia, pray for us.
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