Homily: Feast of St. Rita

Feast of St. Rita (Mk. 9:38-40) “Nothing is Impossible with God”

St. Rita lived in 14th century Casia. She was a pious child and wanted to enter the convent. Her parents had other plans. She was forced to enter an arranged marriage at the age of twelve. Her husband was cruel to her. He physically abused her. She bore him two sons. Throughout this ordeal she continued to be spiritually engaged. Her piety eventually impressed her husband, and he began to treat her with more kindness.

Throughout Italy there were great rivalries between families, even blood feuds. St. Rita’s husband was assassinated. Her two sons vowed to avenge him. St. Rita prayed that they would not be allowed to commit a mortal sin. In a way her prayer was answered. Both of her sons fell ill and died in the same year, and they never were able to carry out the vendetta they planned.

When her sons died, Rita planned on going into an Augustinian convent. But this led to more disappointment. The families that were in a feud with her family controlled the governance of the convent, so she was turned away.

She continued to try to gain entrance and eventually she was able to join. She was a most holy sister who had many mystical experiences. She also received a mark of stigmata.

St. Rita is known as the patron saint of impossible causes. She is the patron of women in abusive relationships, widows, mothers who have lost children and women who have lost family members to violence. She is a saint who many people can turn to in our modern world.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I know a person who is in an abusive relationship? Would the story of St. Rita be a comforting story for them to hear?

2.   Do I have a problem in my life that seems impossible to solve? Could St. Rita be of help?

 Dear Parishioners,

             I was at a funeral yesterday for Fr. George Remm. He was my pastor when I was in seminary. He was always an exemplary priest. I grew to appreciate him more as time went by.

            Fr. Remm held many positions in the Peoria Diocese. When the liturgical renewal came about in the 1960’s and the many Mass changes came about Fr. Remm was asked to go and study for a liturgy degree from Notre Dame University. When he returned, he helped educate the clergy on the Theology of the revised liturgy. As we might imagine, there was resistance to the changes. Fr. Remm persevered and the changes were implemented in the Diocese of Peoria.

            Later Fr. Remm was the Pastor of Visitation Kewanee and St. Patrick in Urbana. He was truly a pillar of our diocese. I invite you to pray for this holy and humble priest that he receives his eternal reward.

            May Our Lady pray for all the faithful departed,

            Fr. Mark