Saint Rita

Born at Roccaporena near Spoleto, Italy, of elderly parents, she was married against her will when twelve, had two sons, and after eighteen years of an unhappy marriage, her husband, who had treated her cruelly, was killed in a brawl. When her two sons died, she tried to enter the Augustinians at Cascia three times but was refused each time, as its rule permitted only virgins, but was finally allowed to become a nun there in 1413. She became known for her austerities, penances, and concern for others, and brought many back to their religion with her prayers. She experienced visions and in 1441 suffered a seemingly thorn-induced wound on her forehead after bearing a sermon on the crown of thorns. Several miracles were attributed to her after her death on May 22 at Cascia. She was canonized in 1900 and is venerated as the saint of desperate causes.   (1381-1457)