Description
Saint Rita of Cascia, Augustinian religious and peacemaker
Rita was born in 1381 at Roccaporena in Italy. After marriage, motherhood, the murder of her husband, and the deaths of her two sons, she entered the Augustinian convent at Cascia. Her life became closely associated with forgiveness and reconciliation between hostile families. While praying before an image of Christ crowned with thorns, she received a wound on her forehead. Rita died in 1457 and was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1900.
Augustinian habit, crucifix, crossed hands, and forehead wound
The image shows Rita in a black Augustinian habit, with her hands crossed over her heart as she turns toward the crucifix. The small wound on her forehead recalls her participation in meditation on Christ's Passion. These attributes distinguish her from other women religious and place the emphasis on contemplative prayer, forgiveness, and perseverance rather than on a generalized promise that every difficulty will be removed.
For reconciliation, difficult circumstances, and patient hope
Saint Rita is widely invoked in difficult and seemingly impossible situations. Her biography gives this devotion a concrete moral focus: refusing revenge, working for reconciliation, and remaining faithful through grief. The icon can accompany prayer during family conflict, bereavement, strained relationships, or long periods of uncertainty. It is suitable for a home, convent, counseling room, chapel, or as a gift for marriage, reconciliation, illness, a name day, or an Augustinian community.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.
