Novena to St. Rita of Cascia: Full Prayers and Devotional Content

Definition of a Novena

A novena is a nine-day period of private or public prayer in the Catholic tradition, intended to obtain special graces or favors. The term derives from the Latin “novem,” meaning nine, and is rooted in the nine days the Apostles prayed between Jesus’ Ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:4). The Novena to St. Rita, known as the “Saint of the Impossible,” is often prayed for hopeless causes, difficult marriages, and personal trials, reflecting her life of perseverance and faith.

Novena to St. Rita: Full Prayers (One Per Day for Nine Days)

Day 1: Prayer for Faith in Impossible Situations
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, in Your infinite tenderness, You have been pleased to regard the prayer of Your servant Rita, granting her supplications that are impossible to human foresight, skill, and effort, as a reward for her compassionate love and firm reliance on Your promises. Have pity on us in times of adversity and comfort us in our calamities, that even unbelievers may know You are the recompense of the humble, the defense of the helpless, and the strength of those who trust in You. Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, patroness of impossible causes, pray for us.

Day 2: Prayer for Forgiveness
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy St. Rita, you hid your husband’s bloody clothes to prevent your sons from seeking revenge, teaching us the power of forgiveness. Help us to forgive those who have wronged us, even when it seems impossible. Grant us the grace to let go of bitterness and embrace peace, as you did in your trials. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, model of forgiveness, pray for us.

Day 3: Prayer for Hope
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Rita, despite immense suffering, you never lost hope in God’s mercy. Teach us to trust in God’s plan, even in despair. Open our hearts to hope in God alone, that we may find strength in His promises. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, beacon of hope, pray for us.

Day 4: Prayer for Courage
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, You gave St. Rita courage to endure trials, including the wound of the thorn from Christ’s crown. Grant us the fortitude to bear our crosses with patience and love, uniting our sufferings to those of Jesus. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, courageous in suffering, pray for us.

Day 5: Prayer for Humility
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Rita, your humility and obedience to God’s will shone through your life as a wife, mother, and nun. Teach us to embrace humility, to surrender our pride, and to seek God’s will above our own desires. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, model of humility, pray for us.

Day 6: Prayer for Love of Christ
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Rita, your heart was consumed with love for the Crucified Christ, sharing in His Passion through the stigmata. Enkindle in us a deep love for Jesus, that we may live for Him alone. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, lover of Christ Crucified, pray for us.

Day 7: Prayer for Perseverance
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Rita, you persevered through rejection, loss, and suffering to enter the convent and live for God. Grant us the grace to persevere in our trials, trusting in God’s timing and providence. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, steadfast in faith, pray for us.

Day 8: Prayer for Charity
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy St. Rita, your generosity to others reflected Christ’s love. Teach us to love our neighbors selflessly, especially those who are difficult to love. Fill us with a spirit of charity that mirrors your own. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, example of Christian love, pray for us.

Day 9: Prayer for Union with God
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Holy Patroness of those in need, St. Rita, whose pleadings before the Divine Lord are irresistible, obtain for us our request (mention your request). By your perfect union with God’s will, your heroic sufferings, and your devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, make us worthy of Christ’s promises. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
St. Rita, advocate of the hopeless, pray for us.

7 Real-Life Stories of St. Rita’s Intercession

Healing of a Marriage: A woman prayed the St. Rita Novena when her marriage was on the brink of divorce due to infidelity. Through persistent prayer, her husband sought forgiveness, and they reconciled, rebuilding their relationship with counseling and faith.
Financial Breakthrough: A man facing bankruptcy prayed to St. Rita for an impossible financial situation. On the ninth day, he received an unexpected reimbursement check that covered his debts, attributing it to her intercession.
Visa Approval: An individual’s visa application was denied, but after praying the St. Rita Novena, their appeal was granted in days, enabling travel for a critical opportunity.
Academic Success: A student struggling with a dissertation prayed to St. Rita and passed, graduating after years of effort. They credited her intercession for clarity and success.
Healing from Depression: A person battling severe depression began a novena to St. Rita at a friend’s urging. They experienced a renewed sense of peace and found effective therapy, attributing their recovery to her prayers.
Justice in a Legal Case: A family prayed for a brother unjustly accused of a crime. Through St. Rita’s intercession, he was released with probation instead of a life sentence, and they received unexpected financial aid.
Fertility Miracle: A couple struggling with infertility prayed the St. Rita Novena. After years of trying, they conceived a child, believing St. Rita’s prayers opened the way for this blessing.

7 Bible Stories Reflecting St. Rita’s Virtues

The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44): Like St. Rita’s generosity, the widow gave all she had, trusting in God’s provision.
The Forgiveness of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): The father’s forgiveness mirrors St. Rita’s forgiveness of her husband’s killers.
The Faith of the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28): Her persistent faith in Jesus reflects St. Rita’s trust in impossible situations.
Job’s Perseverance (Job 1-2): Job’s endurance through suffering parallels St. Rita’s steadfastness in trials.
The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Luke 7:1-10): The centurion’s humility before Jesus echoes St. Rita’s humble obedience.
The Crucifixion (John 19:25-27): Mary’s presence at the cross reflects St. Rita’s devotion to Christ’s Passion.
The Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:1-44): This miracle of hope aligns with St. Rita’s role as a beacon for the hopeless.

7 Comments by People About St. Rita

“St. Rita answered my prayers when my payment was delayed. I got the funds I needed!” – Anonymous, 2024
“Her novena gave me strength to forgive my family after years of conflict.” – Maria S., 2023
“I prayed to St. Rita for my visa, and it was granted against all odds!” – John K., 2025
“St. Rita’s intercession helped my son get into medical school after rejections.” – Theresa L., 2016
“She’s my patron saint; her prayers brought me back to faith in 2016.” – Anonymous, 2016
“St. Rita’s novena brought peace to my anxious heart. I feel Christ’s presence.” – Paul M., 2020
“Her intercession saved my family from financial ruin. She’s truly the Saint of the Impossible!” – Elizabeth R., 2017

10 Bible Verses for Hope and Perseverance

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Matthew 19:26: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “Therefore we do not lose heart… our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.”
John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because… they will receive the crown of life.”

Devotional Associated with St. Rita

Daily Devotion to St. Rita for Impossible Causes
Begin each day with a moment of silence, picturing St. Rita’s serene presence amidst blooming roses, a symbol of her miraculous life. Light a candle if possible, and pray:
O Holy St. Rita, patroness of the impossible, guide me to trust in God’s mercy. Intercede for my needs (mention your intention), and help me carry my cross with love.
Reflect on one of her virtues (e.g., forgiveness, hope, or humility) and how you can embody it today. Read a Bible verse from above, and close with an Our Father and a Hail Mary. This devotion strengthens faith in God’s power to transform hopeless situations, inspired by St. Rita’s life of surrender.

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680): Known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” Kateri was a Native American who converted to Catholicism despite persecution from her tribe. After her baptism, she faced ostracism but lived a life of prayer and penance, dying at 24. Her smallpox-scarred face reportedly became radiant at death, a sign of her holiness.
St. John Bosco (1815-1888): A priest who dedicated his life to educating poor boys in Turin, Italy, John Bosco founded the Salesians. He had prophetic dreams, including one guiding him to save youth from sin. His cheerful approach and miracles, like multiplying food for his students, marked his ministry.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897): The “Little Flower” lived a simple life as a Carmelite nun, offering small acts of love to God. Her “Little Way” of holiness through daily sacrifices inspired millions. Despite dying young of tuberculosis, her autobiography, Story of a Soul, spread her message worldwide.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42): Jesus met a Samaritan woman, revealing her past and offering “living water.” Her encounter led her to share His message, converting many in her town.
Healing the Blind Man (John 9:1-12): Jesus restored sight to a man born blind, using mud and spit, showing His power over physical and spiritual blindness. The man’s faith grew despite Pharisees’ opposition.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus called Zacchaeus down from a tree, dined with him, and inspired him to repent and restore stolen wealth, proving no one is beyond redemption.
The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11): Jesus saved a woman from stoning, challenging her accusers and forgiving her, saying, “Go and sin no more,” demonstrating mercy over judgment.
Healing the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12): Jesus forgave a paralytic’s sins and healed him, showing His authority to heal both body and soul, amazing the crowd.

10 Prophetic Declarations

Through St. Rita’s intercession, I declare God’s power will turn my impossible situations into testimonies of His grace.
I declare that my heart will be filled with hope, trusting in God’s perfect timing for my needs.
I declare forgiveness over those who have wronged me, as St. Rita forgave, bringing peace to my soul.
I declare strength to persevere through trials, knowing God’s mercy sustains me.
I declare that my family will be united in love and faith, guided by St. Rita’s prayers.
I declare healing over my body and spirit, as God’s compassion flows through St. Rita’s intercession.
I declare financial provision for my needs, as God provides miraculously, as He did for St. Rita’s devotees.
I declare courage to face challenges, united with Christ’s Passion, as St. Rita was.
I declare that my prayers will rise to God, answered through St. Rita’s powerful intercession.
I declare a life transformed by God’s love, reflecting St. Rita’s holiness in all I do.

10 Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

“Trust in St. Rita’s intercession, for God uses her to work miracles in hopeless cases.” – Fr. John, 2024
“Like St. Rita, embrace your crosses; they lead to Christ’s glory.” – Fr. Michael, 2023
“St. Rita teaches us that forgiveness heals wounds deeper than we know.” – Fr. Thomas, 2022
“Pray with St. Rita, and God will open doors no human can.” – Fr. Joseph, 2025
“Her life shows that God’s love transforms even the most broken situations.” – Fr. Peter, 2020
“St. Rita’s stigmata reminds us to unite our suffering with Christ’s.” – Fr. Anthony, 2021
“Through St. Rita, God offers hope to the despairing; never give up.” – Fr. James, 2023
“Her prayers bring peace to troubled marriages; trust her intercession.” – Fr. Paul, 2024
“St. Rita’s humility calls us to surrender our will to God’s plan.” – Fr. David, 2022
“With St. Rita, believe that God makes the impossible possible.” – Fr. Stephen, 2025

10 Prayer Points

For strength to trust God in impossible situations, through St. Rita’s intercession.
For healing in broken relationships, especially in marriages and families.
For forgiveness of those who have caused pain, following St. Rita’s example.
For hope to overcome despair, trusting in God’s mercy.
For courage to bear personal trials with patience and faith.
For humility to surrender to God’s will in all circumstances.
For a deeper love for Jesus, especially in His Passion and Eucharist.
For financial provision in times of need, as St. Rita’s prayers have provided.
For perseverance in prayer, even when answers seem delayed.
For the grace to live a holy life, inspired by St. Rita’s virtues.

Meditation Writeup: Reflecting on St. Rita’s Life

Take a quiet moment to sit in God’s presence, imagining St. Rita in her convent, praying before the Crucifix. Picture the thorn wound on her forehead, a mark of her union with Christ’s suffering. Reflect on her life: a young girl forced into marriage, enduring abuse; a mother losing her sons; a widow rejected by the convent yet persevering. Despite these trials, she forgave, loved, and trusted God. Consider your own “impossible” situations—relationships, finances, or health. Like St. Rita, offer them to God, trusting He can transform them. Meditate on Matthew 19:26: “With God, all things are possible.” Ask St. Rita to intercede, helping you carry your cross with hope. Close with a prayer: St. Rita, guide me to trust God’s plan, to forgive, and to love as you did. Amen.