Staying Connected to Rita

Staying CONNECTED

OCTOBER to 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

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