Description
Saint Rita of Cascia, wife, mother, widow and nun
Rita was born in Roccaporena in Umbria, probably in 1371. She married, became a mother of two sons and was widowed after her husband was killed amid local conflict. Tradition remembers her work for peace between the families involved. After her sons died, she entered the Augustinian monastery in Cascia, where she lived in prayer, penance and charity toward the sick, elderly and poor. She died in 1447; her feast is May 22. She is widely invoked in difficult and seemingly impossible situations.
Crucifix, Augustinian habit and the thorn
Rita wears the black and white Augustinian habit and joins her hands before the Crucified Christ. A small dark mark on her forehead refers to the wound traditionally associated with a thorn from Christ’s crown, received during contemplation of the Passion. The image therefore centers her spirituality on participation in Christ’s suffering, not on suffering as an end in itself. Her lifted gaze and prayerful hands express trust and intercession. The rose, another well-known attribute, is not present in this composition.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, the image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate recording the year of production and a wall hanger are included. This is a contemporary devotional icon, not an individually hand-painted work.
For reconciliation and difficult circumstances
The icon is suited to a home prayer corner, Augustinian community, chapel, counseling room or ministry serving families in crisis. Rita offers a grounded patronal subject for prayer about reconciliation, grief, perseverance and charity after loss. Calling her patron of impossible causes expresses confidence in intercession, not a promise that a desired outcome will occur. The image should encourage prayer, responsible help and patient action together.