Solemn Novena and Feast Day By Jonathan Jerome, Director of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia
w Click to Watch Feast Day Mass from EWTN
Celebrations
very year, for the past 114 years, the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia has invited pilgrims, patrons and devotees from around the world to join us in South Philadelphia for our Solemn Novena and Feast Day celebrations. These ten days in the middle of May are a celebration of our Catholic faith, our Augustinian identity, our South Philly personality and our deep love for a saintly woman whose virtuous life continues to inspire us.
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ut we weren’t sure what to expect this year. Would there be an increase in eager pilgrims looking to return after a virtual novena and feast day last year? Or would we see a smaller number of people gather because of lingering COVID-19 concerns and a prolonged absence from church? Throughout our planning and preparation process, as these uncertainties grew, we turned to our beloved patroness and advocate in prayer. Lucky for us, St. Rita knows something about perseverance and hope in the midst of uncertainty.
reconciliation in our communities and within ourselves. EWTN broadcast our noon Mass to millions of people throughout the world. And, even with COVID-19 restrictions in place, six Masses and 20 confessors barely met the needs of those who joined us on the feast day.
There is no question that St. Rita heard our prayers and interceded with God on our behalf ! Throughout the novena and especially on the feast day, faithful patrons gathered once again to celebrate virtually and in person! Three bishops, countless Augustinians, hundreds of benefactors, and 60 volunteers joined us from dawn to dusk as we prayed for healing, peace, and
As the 6,500 roses around the Shrine begin to whither though, we have started to wonder what comes next. We are not interested in returning to life pre-pandemic, and we are certainly not interested in returning to life during the pandemic. Instead, we are looking confidently into the future at what lies ahead! This past year provided us an opportunity to pause and look at our mission
The overwhelming joy experienced during these sacred days was matched only by the immeasurable grace received. It was another powerful testament to God’s goodness!
