1166 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
In 1907, the Augustinians of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova founded St. Rita's National Shrine and Parish to serve the Italian immigrant population in South Philadelphia. They named the parish after St. Rita of Cascia, a 14th century Italian- born widow, who served for forty years as an Augustinian nun in the town of Cascia and was canonized in 1900.
Known for her ability to reconcile enemies and bear enormous sufferings, St. Rita is called upon by devotees to help them find peaceful solutions to end conflict and courage to face difficulties and find cures.
St. Rita has devotees around the world. Her feast Day, May 22nd, is commemorated with devotions and celebrations by many churches.
To find out more about the Shrine, St. Rita and the Solemn Novena and Blessing of the Roses held in her honor each May, visit St Rita's website.