St. Rita Novena – 9 Days of Prayer

For impossible causes and difficult marriages

St. Rita of Cascia is called the Saint of Impossible Causes because she lived through an unhappy marriage, the loss of her husband and sons, and then entered the convent, carrying the wound of a thorn from Christ's crown on her forehead for many years. This novena trusts her to stand beside people in painful marriages and long-running hardships. It offers nine days of honest prayer when nothing seems to change. Her feast is May 22, when roses are blessed in many churches. She is loved by many who feel unseen.

Feast of St. Rita of Cascia · May 229 dayssaint

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (May 22) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play

St. Rita Novena – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For Impossible and Desperate Cases

O Holy Patroness of those in need, St. Rita, whose pleadings before thy Divine Lord are almost irresistible.

O Holy Patroness of those in need, St. Rita, whose pleadings before thy Divine Lord are almost irresistible, who for thy lavishness in granting favors hast been called the Advocate of the Hopeless and even of the Impossible; St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so mortified, so patient and of such compassionate love for thy Crucified Jesus that thou couldst obtain from Him whatsoever thou askest, on account of which all confidently have recourse to thee, expecting, if not always relief, at least comfort; be propitious to our petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy suppliant; be lavish to us, as thou hast been in so many wonderful cases, for the greater glory of God, for the spreading of thine own devotion, and for the consolation of those who trust in thee. We promise, if our petition is granted, to glorify thee by making known thy favor, to bless and sing thy praises forever. Amen.

Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.

Traditional Catholic Prayer · Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia

More novenas

Frequently asked questions

When should I start the St. Rita Novena?

Begin on May 13 to end on May 21, the eve of her feast on May 22. Anyone in a hopeless situation can start it right away.

How do I pray the St. Rita Novena?

Pray the daily prayer for nine days and name your difficulty clearly. Some people bring a rose to church on her feast day.

Who is the St. Rita Novena for?

It is for people in difficult marriages, those who have been wounded or abused, and anyone carrying a cause that feels impossible. Widows and grieving mothers also turn to her.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play