St. Rita Peacemaker Spring 2021

Peacemaker The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia

Augustinian since 1907

Spring 2021

An Augustinian Litany of

ST. JOSEPH

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St. Joseph.” This is a wonderful opportunity to increase our knowledge and love of St. Joseph, as we implore his intercession and look to imitate his virtues and zeal.

(Patris Corde)

Holy Mary, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Renowned offspring of David, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Foster-father of the Son of God, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Pillar of families, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Glory of home life, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.

St. Joseph, who obeyed God’s word with divine joy, pray for us.

St. Joseph, irreplaceable model for justice, pray for us.

St. Joseph, shining mirror of holiness, pray for us.

St. Joseph, model of divine patience, pray for us.

St. Joseph, who teaches divine silence, pray for us.

St. Joseph, model of religious life, pray for us.

St. Joseph, protector of vocations, pray for us.

St. Joseph, whose life inspired St. Augustine, pray for us.

St. Joseph, whose holiness inspired our Augustinian saints, pray for us.

St. Joseph, protector of entire Augustinian family, pray for us.

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

Let Us Pray: O God, you made St. Joseph, the protector of our Savior Jesus Christ and of the Virgin Mary. Grant to us the grace to care for each other, as St. Joseph protected the Holy Family. O God, you also blessed St. Joseph to trust in you with the grace to lead a holy life. We, who are striving to find rest in you and to become holy, may we put our trust in you and lead a holy life by reflecting on your word with one mind and one heart in our community.

We ask this through Christ our lord. Amen.

Statue of St. Joseph and the Christ Child in the Upper Shrine

CONTENTS

Features

MISSION Statement The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is a Roman Catholic community of worship and spirituality rooted in the Augustinian tradition.

The Shrine seeks to inspire and reach into the community with the values and witness of Saint Rita, an Augustinian saint known as a healer, reconciler, and peacemaker. Following the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and the footsteps of Saint Rita, the Shrine welcomes people from all walks of life to encounter God and to discover healing, reconciliation, and peace.

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VISION Statement

As we deepen an awareness of the life of Saint Rita and the ministry of the Shrine locally, nationally, and internationally, we desire to grow as a place of prayerful pilgrimage, transforming sacrament, and compassionate pastoral services of encounter.

Peacemaker Spring 2021

Contact us: National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia 1166 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19146 215-546-8333

Inside 6 8 12 15

Hope Springs Eternal

Testimonials: Lessons in Hope

Looking Forward with Hope

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Staying Connected to Rita A Month of Possibilities: Solemn Feast The Cascia Center: A Place of Encounter Augustinian Journey

16 A Sign of Spring

On the Cover

The mural of Saint Rita being “received into heaven with joy,” located above the high altar in the Upper Shrine. Very little detail has been recorded about who painted the image or when it was completed (although presumably sometime shortly after the Upper Church was completed in 1915). At the foot of the mural, there are some recognizable figures, but most are unidentified devotees of Saint Rita.

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As Rita meditated on the image of the Resurgent Christ... she saw both the very real suffering, but also the promise of new life.

“The Resurrection” was painted between 1456 and 1460 by Italian artist Andrea Mantegna

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HOPE SPRINGS w Click to Play Video

Eternal

by Jonathan Jerome, Shrine Director

After a year like we’ve had, it’s not that hard to imagine the unprecedented devastation that the 1918 Influenza unleashed across the United States, especially in places like Philadelphia. With the return of soldiers from Europe at the end of World War I, the “Spanish Flu” brought about an onslaught of sickness, suffering, and death quicker than almost any other epidemic in history.

In

a matter of days, the death toll began rising by the hundreds, and people were forced to completely upend their lives. In early October, the Philadelphia Board of Health closed all public and private schools, churches and Sunday schools, theaters, music and concert halls, boxing arenas, skating rinks, saloons, and so much more. In total, the disease would eventually infect a third of the Earth’s population, about 500 million people.

For a young Catholic parish on South Broad Street, Saint Rita’s Church found itself in the heart of this devastating pandemic. Mere steps from the Marine Club and a few blocks from the Navy Yard, over 212 funerals were celebrated in October 1918 alone.

The Missionary Sisters of Saint Francis who staffed the parish school at the time volunteered as nurses throughout the City. The pastor, Fr. Charles Driscoll, O.S.A., would have been forced to not only close the church, but also to find creative ways to preach the Gospel to the ethnically diverse population of parishioners living in and around the parish. There’s no question about it: Saint Rita’s, like every community and every person at that time, was hit hard.

In many ways, I can relate and I’m sure you can too.

Not unlike Fr. Driscoll and the first parishioners, we’ve encountered quite a bit of challenge this past year. With the coronavirus sweeping through the United States, protestors marching on Broad Street mere steps from our front door, the unexpected death of Fr. Jim Spenard, O.S.A. last October, as well as the loss of countless other patrons, friends, and family members, 2020 was hard. The list of new ministerial programs and capital projects outlined in our pastoral plan were largely put on hold. The pews of the Upper Shrine have remained mostly empty as people opt for Mass online. We know that, for many, this past year was marked with great despair and loss.

So, how do we begin to wrap our minds around such a difficult year?

Christ, Our Hope

While it’s not always easy, I think it’s important to recall that at the core of our Catholic faith, we find a simple, but important truth: Hope is more powerful than despair! Hope reminds us that darkness is always dispelled by light, and that new life always follows death. In his most recent encyclical, Fratelli

In October 1918, 212 funeral liturgies were celebrated at the Shrine and recorded in its funeral registry.

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Tutti, Pope Francis reminds us that hope “speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love…

Hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile.” How do we obtain such hope? Or, better yet, who is the source of this hope? Christ Jesus!

No one knew this better than our beloved patroness and dear friend. Saint Rita persevered through tragedy largely because she believed in the deep love offered to her by Christ. As Rita meditated on the image of the Resurgent Christ, or Jesus of Holy Saturday, she saw both the very real suffering of Christ, but also the promise of new life that lay ahead. Even on her own deathbed, the gift of a rose and a couple figs were sure signs of the new life that awaited her; the promise of a new life with her beloved family. In so many ways, the relationship that Saint Rita shared with Christ is a testament to the virtue of hope.

Looking Forward in Confident Hope

This issue of the Peacemaker offers us an opportunity to reflect on this idea of hope by examining the third and final part of the Paschal Mystery, the resurrection of Jesus. The stories and testimonials that line these pages offer us a hopeful glimpse of the new life that lies ahead for us at the Shrine.

In a matter of months, the Cascia Center will be completed and the long-awaited goal of having a multiuse space for pilgrims, patrons, and visitors to utilize will be realized! What an experience it will be to walk through those doors for the very first time.

And, what joy we will experience as we gather as a community on the Solemn Feast Day for a meal or a conference, or both! It will be exciting to share new outreach ministries with our local, regional, and national patrons, made possible by the generosity of so many supporters throughout the country. With each passing day, the progress being made on the building offers us an exciting glimpse of what is to come!

And, with great joy we welcome Br. Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A. to our staff, as we share his anticipation for the day when he is ordained to the priesthood this summer! The commitment of the Augustinians to the future of the Shrine is evident with his placement here. As Br. Jeremy shares his many gifts and gets to know more about each of you and your connections to Saint Rita, we are grateful that new relationships will blossom and flourish for generations to come!

We know that what followed the 1918 Influenza was a period of remarkable creativity, devotion, and growth throughout the country, but especially at Saint Rita’s.

By 1931, Saint Rita’s was the largest Catholic parish in South Philadelphia. By the year 2000, the Bishops of the United States designated Saint Rita’s the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia. And, almost 21 years later, we find ourselves, once again, looking deep into the future, excited to dream about what’s possible!

Without a doubt, the strong and sure foundation laid by countless Augustinians and tradesmen, teachers and religious sisters, family members and neighbors over the past 114 years have given us some necessary perspective and helped us to persevere over the past year. There is much to be learned from the generations of faithful pilgrims, patrons, and devotees who have relied on the friendship and intercession of Saint Rita on their way to Christ. May our vision and path be just as clear as we look forward in confident hope.

w Click to Play Saint Rita in Modern Life

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For the past 114 years, Shrine patrons have sought Saint Rita’s powerful intercession in their pursuit of God.

Testimonials:

The Fortune family with baby Rita

My

husband and I moved to Las Vegas from South Philadelphia the summer after he graduated from Jefferson Medical School for him to pursue residency training in emergency medicine.

During the four years that we lived at 12th and Tasker Street, the Saint Rita Shrine was a welcome oasis that we walked to for weekday Mass, confession, and/or prayer. The Shrine was especially helpful as we went through difficult times personally, as I had a miscarriage and we struggled with infertility for two years afterwards. As we underwent medical evaluation without explanation and attempted medication without success, we turned to the Saint of Impossible Causes, Saint Rita, as we feared we would never be blessed with children. As our doctors told us we had run out of treatment options (short

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was born and raised in South Philly and have long been a devotee of Saint Rita. While my godmother was named Rita, my mother always told me that I was named for Saint Rita. During the summer of 2020, my dear friend and neighbor, Donna, was diagnosed with an advanced cancerous tumor on her lungs. It was soon discovered that there were numerous other cancerous sites throughout her body. I started saying a rosary each night and the Saint Rita Novena prayers each morning for her.

My prayers were that the tumors would shrink to an operable size. We just got a diagnosis that the tumor on her lungs has been shrinking; the cancer on her adrenal gland is gone; and tumors on her lymph nodes are either shrinking or disappearing. Once

Lessons in HOPE

of IVF), my husband prayed to Saint Rita and promised that if blessed with a daughter, we would name her Rita. We soon discovered I was pregnant, just as we had prepared to give up hope. Even before we found out what gender the baby was via ultrasound, we both knew in our hearts that it was a girl. Our baby girl was born on December 18, 2019 and was baptized on March 1, 2020 here in Las Vegas. And, of course her name is Rita. Just wanted to share another story of Saint Rita’s powerful intercession even when things seem impossible.

Please pray for our little Rita, and thank you for your important ministry honoring Saint Rita!

Marielle Fortune

again, Saint Rita has interceded on my behalf to God, who answered my prayers! At this point we are not sure if the doctors will operate to remove the cancer that’s remaining, or if she will need chemo and/ or radiation. But, she is well on her way to a healthier life! I thank God, our Blessed Mother, and Saint Rita for looking after my friend and answering my prayers.

Ritamarie Fieo

Donna and her dear friend, Ritamarie Fieo

Have you received a favor from Saint Rita or experienced something miraculous?

Share your experience and story with us. Call 215-546-8333 or e-mail admin@saintritashrine.org

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Staying CONNECTED to

OCTOBER

Rita

“October is the ‘Month of the Holy Rosary.’ Consider #praying a #rosary each day for #peace in our world, our nation, our communities, our families, and our hearts.

Holy Mary, model of life for Saint Rita, pray for us!”

September 30, 2020

The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia partnered with the Sisters of Life to host a Forty Hours Devotion Saturday, October 31, 2020 through Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Over 100 people visited the Shrine to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, and pray for a renewal of faith, peace, healing, and unity within our country, city, and communities. In addition to Adoration, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Rosary, and Solemn Vespers were offered throughout the four days, drawing people from all over Philadelphia to visit the Shrine.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our beloved Augustinian Friars, Fr. Jim Spenard, O.S.A. We give thanks to the Lord for his deep faith, and for his holy and generous priesthood. As funeral information becomes available, we will be sure to share it.”

October 8, 2020

NOVEMBER

Let Philly Be Our Guide Out of Our Divisions by Thomas Koenig The Philadelphia Citizen, November 24, 2020 “While plagued by pervasive poverty and persistent violence, Philadelphia is also home to faith and community organizations like Saint Rita’s—organizations that are actively working to bridge divides, give direction, and foster meaning in the lives of all those who walk through its doors.”

The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia participated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s inaugural #iGiveCatholic day of giving on November 30, 2021. Over 42 donors gave $3,125 to the Shrine on Giving Tuesday this year!

DECEMBER

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Virtual Christmas Mass at the Shrine Fr. Bob Guessetto, O.S.A. served as the celebrant and homilist for a special recording of the celebration of the Eucharist from the Shrine for the Nativity of the Lord. Fr. Nick Martorano, O.S.A. and Fr. Bob Terranova, O.S.A. concelebrated. Deacon Olindo Mennilli assisted as deacon.

On December 12, 2020, a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe was dedicated in the breezeway between the Shrine and former friary. The statue was designed by Sr. Paula Beierschmitt, a Sister Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and commissioned by the American Academy of the Sacred Arts, with the explicit purpose of “bringing souls to Christ.” The dedication ceremony was led by Fr. Dennis Gill, the rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul. Prior to arriving at the Shrine, the statue was blessed by Pope Francis when he visited Philadelphia’s Cathedral Basilica in 2015.

JANUARY

Saint Rita Shrine’s RAW deal offers prayer, healing by Joseph Myers CatholicPhilly.com, January 12, 2021 “We see their fidelity and their faithfulness,” Fr. Bob Guessetto said of visitors to the shrine, “so we also want to hear about their rich and enriching faith journeys. Those are the aspects that we feel will truly help the RAW gatherings to foster even more fire within our hearts.”

FEBRUARY

“We are excited to introduce you to Br. Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A., the newest member of the Shrine Staff! Welcome to @SaintRitaShrine, Br. Jeremy! Saint Rita, pray for Br. Jeremy and for all of us!”

February 15, 2021

We’re about to gather for our last #AshWednesday Mass of the day (7:00 p.m. in the Upper Shrine). If you haven’t made it to Mass yet, you still have time! Here are a few familiar faces showing off their ashes and encouraging you to stop by @SaintRitaShrine. #AshTag #Lent2021 February 15, 2021

MARCH

Be sure to follow the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube: @SaintRitaShrine

“May it also please you to #bless, by the work of the #HolySpirit, these dalmatics made ready for divine worship...”

Prior to the start of #Mass last Monday, we blessed these beautiful new vestments! Thanks to @automcatholic for their help! Saint Rita, keep praying for us!

March 8, 2021 #Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is being offered in the Lower Shrine Chapel all day until 5:00pm. Stop by for a few moments of #prayer and #peace. #24hoursforthelord March 13, 2021 7

Nine days of prayer. Nine days of celebration. Nine days of powerful intercession. It’s time to experience what’s possible with Saint Rita of Cascia!

After a year of separation and canceled plans, we invite you to visit the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our annual Solemn Novena and Feast Day. People from all walks of life will gather in South Philadelphia and virtually throughout the month of May to experience a vibrant community of faith, to honor Saint Rita as a beloved friend who intercedes on their behalf, and to deepen their relationship with God. While social distancing and wearing masks will be required, we are committed to offering our full Novena and Feast Day schedule this year. Whether in person or online, we hope that you will join us for this special devotion, and help us continue to spread the message of Saint Rita’s life with people throughout the world. If you can’t visit us at the Shrine, you’re invited to pray the Novena with us each day at home, and then watch our Solemn Feast Day Mass on EWTN (May 22, 2021, broadcast live at 12:00 p.m.).

May Saint Rita, our advocate and protectress, continue to listen to our petitions and intercede with God on our behalf.

1 Click to View Past Feast Day Photos

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A Month of Possibilities

Saturday, May 22, 2021 SOLEMN FEAST DAY OF SAINT RITA MASS TIMES ~ Click to Watch 8:00 a.m.

Live on EWTN 10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m. (broadcast live on EWTN) 3:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

CONFESSION TIMES 9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

A blessing of roses and veneration of Saint Rita’s relic will take place at all Masses.

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Looking

FORWARD with HOPE

by Br. Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A.

w Click to Play Welcome from Br. Jeremy

This is my favorite time of year. The days

are getting longer and the temperatures

warmer. As the frost melts, new life emerges.

Flowers are blossoming, leaves are reappearing on trees, and I can hear the birds chirping at sunrise again.

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any are now looking forward to a summer getaway. Others, like myself, are looking forward to wrapping up another school year. Still others are looking forward to seeing loved ones they have not seen in a very long time due to COVID-19.

This is indeed a time of year when we are invited to put away what has become old and look forward to putting on something new.

All of this comes in the context of the season of Easter. After our journey through Lent together, it is now time for us to celebrate with renewed hope and expectation the power of the Resurrection in our lives and in our world.

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Perhaps it is no coincidence that Easter comes at springtime. It is a time when we realize that through the power of the Resurrection, the various winters we face in our lives (such as fear, disease, death, anxiety, or attachments) really have no power or victory over us.

In the end we will prevail and rise with Christ to glory.

This is a special year for me personally. After six years of study, I am beginning my new ministry as a Deacon

Celebrant Fr. Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial and former Shrine Director witnesses Br. Jeremy solemnly commit his life to God as an Augustinian Friar

Br. Jeremy is an avid runner, exploring his new neighborhood

and I’m looking forward to being Ordained to the Priesthood. As I write this article, I’m not far from finishing up my final papers and exams and my schedule is being cleared for me to begin to devote myself to full-time ministry. I am looking forward to wrapping up what has over the past six years become old and beginning something new.

The icing on the cake is that I get to begin these new assignments at the National Shrine of Saint Rita.

This is a place filled with hope and expectation. With the anticipated completion of the Cascia Center, the sky seems to be the limit on how God is going to use this special place to touch the lives of so many in the city of Philadelphia and around the world. With

the anticipation of the Cascia Center, the Shrine community can put away some old limitations and look forward to beginning some new and exciting ministries and initiatives. I feel so blessed to join you and be a part of it!

To be assigned here is also a special honor for me because Saint Rita has been a big part of my journey to get to this point.

I began praying to Saint Rita six years ago when I felt the call to enter religious life yet faced some anxiety over the risk involved with giving up a promising career, a house, and most of my belongings to join the Order.

As I was journeying through that decision process, I related to the courage Saint Rita exhibited so many times in her life as she herself faced fear and uncertainty.

Thanks to the inspiration I found in her, six years later I now have the opportunity to serve the people of God as an Augustinian Friar. Consequently, I have fallen in love with the Augustinian way of life and what our charism offers to the world today. Through the life example and intercession of Saint Rita, I was given an opportunity to leave an old way of life and put on a new life that has brought much joy and fulfillment.

Greeting Shrine visitors

Just after I entered the Order, I was also given another opportunity to rely on Saint Rita. During my first year with the Augustinians, my youngest brother died very unexpectedly and tragically in an accident. Faced with the grief of losing a sibling and the temptation to fall into despair, I once again relied on Saint Rita, who also faced tragedy as she lost her husband and two children.

After my brother’s death, my family grew closer and

I came to a much deeper appreciation of the Augustinian way of life and the value of Blessing with Saint Rita Holy Oil our community charism. Through the intercession of Saint Rita, my own journey through grief has brought me to a better understanding of the suffering of others. Such understanding has helped me accompany people facing tremendously difficult life situations in the 12 ministries I have been called to since. My journey through tragedy with Saint Rita opened up new possibilities to share Easter joy with others.

Now that the time has arrived for me to begin the ministry I have been preparing for over the years, I have the opportunity to join you through the mission and ministries of Distributing Holy Communion the Shrine in sharing Easter joy with the world around us. With this comes another opportunity to rely on the help of Saint Rita. This time I ask for her help in sharing her story to a world that has suffered many wounds on its journey through a pandemic and civil unreSaint When faced with tragedy and the temptation to despair, Saint Rita found hope in the Resurrection. When faced with civil unrest, she found ways to promote peace and reconciliation. When faced with difficult decisions on how to move forward, she looked to the Cross for wisdom and guidance. We too can look forward with hope to a world that puts away the old ways of division, separation, conflict, and despair and discovers new pathways toward truth, unity, and love found throughout the good news of the Gospel.

Can you imagine such a world? With the help of Saint Rita and her life example, I can. We truly have a wonderful saint to accompany us on the journey of sharing Easter joy with the world of 2021.

Happy Easter to all the friends of the National Shrine of Saint Rita. I look forward to being on the journey with you as we enter this exciting time.

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The

From left: Evelyn Urquhart, Theresa Chin, Fr. Robert Guessetto, O.S.A., Anthony Visco, Deirdre Rice

Cascia Center

A PLACE OF ENCOUNTER

Great progress is being made on the new Cascia Center! The basement level was completed at

the end of January, and the second, third, and fourth floors are quickly taking shape. Both the elevator shaft and stair tower have also been completed and offer a good gauge of just how tall five stories actually are in relation to the Shrine! Interior design elements have been chosen, and in the past few weeks, conversations about artwork, furniture, and other furnishings have started. The anticipated completion date is October 2021.

As this long-awaited vision becomes a reality, it is important to recall why this building is so important to the future of the Shrine.

Our Inspiration

The mission and ministries of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia are deeply rooted in and inspired by the life of Saint Rita of Cascia. Having experienced Christ’s healing presence in the face of violence and death that touched her family, Saint Rita bore the gospel message of reconciliation and peace to the wounded world around her. In doing so, she became a friend to humanity, lifting people to new life in the love of God.

Our Vision

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The Cascia Center is a work of prayer, dialogue, encounter, and friendship. As an Augustinian ministry since 1907, the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia strives to bring people together, to learn from each other, and to discover God in this exchange. We believe the gift of reconciliation is carried in the stories of our lives and in the sharing of these stories. When we are able to tell our stories, have them heard and respected, we come alive.

We find strength to renew and heal. We find partners of dialogue and trust in bearing the wounds of life and in examining our lives and values so that we might author a future story of hope together. In every ministry of renewal, healing, education, and welcome, the Cascia Center will be a place where stories are honored and shared as sacred gifts for our mutual benefit—that we all might create a community of peace that inspires and builds fullness of life.

Our Ministries MINISTRIES OF RENEWAL

Pastoral Counseling & Psychotherapy for individuals experiencing a wide range of issues, including: w Depression & Anxiety w Bereavement, Life Transition, & Loss w Relational Problems w Victims of Sexual Abuse w Marriage & Couples Counseling w Spiritual Direction w Men’s Group: weekly support & spirituality to address pornography use & sexual addiction, and to promote chaste living

MINISTRIES OF HEALING

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Conflict Resolution Peacemaking Strategies Neighborhood Reconciliation Services A.D.R.O.P.’s Adeodatus Prison Ministry

MINISTRIES OF EDUCATION

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Pilgrimages & Conferences Student & Teacher Retreats Parish Staff Retreats Days of Recollection for Caregivers & Ministers Consultation, Support, & Supervision for Clergy & Ministers

MINISTRIES OF WELCOME

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Hospitality for Pilgrims & Patrons Young Adult Brunches Senior Citizen Lunches Peace Banquet Funeral Receptions

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Your Impact

In 2008, the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia began fundraising for the Cascia Center, and in July 2020 we were able to commit $1.4 million to the construction of this new building. The generosity and support of our patrons from around the country helped us to reach this financial milestone. As the construction continues on the Cascia Center, we are already looking forward to our next milestone: moving into and using the space.

As with any new building, we anticipate additional costs along the way. Your The Cascia Center will be a place where small groups can meet to discuss a wide range of issues. This picture was taken pre-pandemic. generosity and support will allow us to make a smooth transition into the new building and give us the tools we need to continue our mission at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia.

Our desire is to utilize the Cascia Center in a way that significantly grows our ministries of renewal, healing, education, and welcome as we build a more just, peaceful, and loving world.

Our Fundraising Goal: $200,000 TECHNOLOGY

NEW MINISTERIAL & SUPPORT STAFF

NEW PROGRAMS & OUTREACH

FURNITURE COMMUNITY ROOM

KITCHEN & CATERING EQUIPMENT

FURNITURE OFFICE & MEETING

The Cascia Center will be equipped with state-of-theart presentation technology (livestreaming, projectors, screens, and surround sound) to support our ministry to pilgrims, groups, and other visitors.

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $45,000

The Cascia Center will not only expand the physical layout of the Shrine, but it will also provide us an opportunity to expand our ministerial programming and outreach among older patrons, our younger neighbors, and everyone in between. We want to create programs that reach deep into the community.

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $20,000

We are excited to host meals and catered events for various groups in the Cascia Center. In order to provide quality hospitality and service to our visitors, we will need basic kitchen and catering equipment.

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $5,000

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In order to provide for the new ministerial programming of the Cascia Center as well as the upkeep of the new building, two full-time and one part-time positions should be created.

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $90,000 The Cascia Center will have a large 200-person community room for pilgrims, groups, and other visitors to congregate, hold conferences, receptions, and other activities. In order to accommodate these groups, the space will need tables, chairs, and other furniture.

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $26,000 Six new office spaces and a 25-person meeting space will be created as part of the new Cascia Center. In order to properly furnish these spaces, we will need new desks, chairs, and tables.

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $14,000

Donate to the Cascia Center project today by visiting: www.SaintRitaShrine.org/support-the-cascia-center

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PODCASTS - Healing Mass Homilies: The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia presents homilies and prayers for healing by Augustinian Friars.

MUSIC: “He who sings,” said Saint Augustine, “prays twice.” Hear former Shrine Director, Fr. Joe Genito, O.S.A. perform his classics.

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Jewel Haines, a longtime friend and patron of the Shrine

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Faith Sharing 15 13

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u Spring

SIGN of M

argherita, known as Rita, had experienced so much of life as a wife, mother, widow, and nun. As her earthly pilgrimage was coming to an end, thoughts of her loved ones seemed to fill her prayers. She was constantly asking for God’s Mercy on the salvation of her husband and her two sons’ souls. During the last several years of her life, a progressively weakened condition kept Rita confined to bed for long periods. However, Rita always remained lucid and shared with other nuns her great desire to be at last fully united with the Lord, whom she had faithfully sought to follow throughout her life. She was entirely at peace and ever thankful to God for the great consolations she had always received from him, even during her most difficult challenges.

Several months before Rita died, her cousin visited her and asked if there was something she might do for her. Rita, whose heart only longed to be one with her Lord, desired nothing.

Rita’s cousin was disappointed with her response.

Rita then asked her cousin to bring a rose and two figs from the garden of her former home in Roccaporena. Unfortunately, the disappointment was not to be lifted as it was the month of January in Cascia where winter’s snow blanketed the earth. Rita’s cousin walked pass Rita and Paolo Mancini’s home in dismay at her inability to grant Rita’s last request. Yet, to her astonishment,

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The Story of Saint Rita

by Fr. Michael Available Here

by Fr. Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A. the pensive woman saw a fresh rose and two figs on a dry and barren bush in the snow-covered garden.

She then returned to the convent and presented the rose and two figs to Rita, who received them with quiet and grateful assurance. Rita understood the rose to be a sign from God. For four decades she had spent in Cascia’s convent, she had prayed especially for her husband, Paolo, who had died so violently, and for her two sons, who had died young. The dark, cold earth of Roccaporena, which held their mortal remains, had now produced a beautiful sign of spring and beauty out of season. Rita believed God had brought forth, through her prayers, their eternal life despite tragedy and violence.

She knew that she would soon join them again in heaven.

Rita died peacefully on May 22, 1457. A revered tradition records that the convent’s bells immediately began to peal unaided by human hands, calling the people of Cascia to the convent’s doors and announcing the triumphant completion of a life faithfully lived.

The sorrows and disappointments which had marked Rita’s life now passed into history.

What remained were the consoling words of her beloved Jesus, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

Have a special intention?

Want to commemorate or honor your loved ones?

You can visit our online Gift Shop to purchase a virtual rose for the Solemn Novena and Feast Day! Take this opportunity to offer a prayer or petition for your loved ones by “planting a rose” in the virtual garden. In addition to the online rose, your intentions will be printed and placed in a basket in front of the relic of Saint Rita in the Lower Shrine.

Let Saint Rita’s powerful intercession nourish your rosebud into a beautiful rose, offered to God and His loving care.

Saint Rita, mystical rose of every virtue, pray for us!

For more information, visit:

www.SaintRitaShrine.org/virtual-garden

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