Thanks to your support of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia through the #iGiveCatholic day of giving,
we are able to share the life of Saint Rita with people from throughout the world by promoting the virtues of faith, hope, forgiveness, and peace.
This year, our goal is simple: to engage 250 donors to help us repair and upgrade the lights in both the Upper and Lower Shrines.
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Why Lighting?
Light plays a powerful role in every act of faith. It helps us to see clearly and focus in prayer, it dispels the darkness around us, and reminds us of God's presence in our daily lives.
In the Upper Shrine, new lighting is needed to illuminate the mural in the apse behind the altar. This mural depicts Saint Rita, surrounded by the communion of saints, being received into heaven with joy. For 119 years, patrons and visitors have gazed upon the beauty of this image, whose vibrant colors and intricate details reflect the devotion and skill of the Italian and Irish immigrants who painted it in 1907. As a signature element of the Shrine's sacred art since its founding, it deserves to be seen in all its glory!
At the same time, the Lower Shrine is in need of new circuit boards for our lighting system. Home to our Saints’ Grotto, Adoration Chapel, and Confessionals, the Lower Shrine serves as a spiritual oasis and place of quiet reflection for countless visitors every day. New circuit boards will allow us to use LED light bulbs, making each of these sacred spaces more welcoming and prayerful for all who visit.
As we continue to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Saint Rita's canonization, these two projects will help us shine a light on our beloved patroness and her inspiring story in a meaningful way. By restoring and enhancing the lighting throughout the Shrine, we will help every visitor experience Saint Rita’s message of faith, peace, and perseverance more vividly than ever before.
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The Impact of Your Donation
Since January 2025, the Shrine has welcomed more than 3,300 pilgrims and retreatants from over 105 different groups – students, families, parishes, and religious communities – each seeking to encounter the life and witness of Saint Rita. As our pilgrimage ministry continues to grow, these updates will directly impact the experience of every patron, pilgrim, and retreatant who comes to experience what’s possible with God through Saint Rita’s intercession.
Your generosity will directly help us:
- Illuminate the stunning mural of Saint Rita in the Upper Shrine.
- Create a safer, more welcoming environment in the Lower Shrine.
- Preserve the beauty and accessibility of the Shrine for all who visit.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps us reach our goal and complete these important projects.
Can we count on you to help us shine a light on Saint Rita for future generations of pilgrims?
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About Us Our Inspiration
Saint Rita of Cascia was a remarkable woman of faith, renowned as a reconciler and a peacemaker. For centuries, her life and prayerful intercession have inspired people on every continent and from every walk of life to discover God in the seemingly impossible. As a daughter, a wife, a mother, a widow, and an Augustinian nun, Saint Rita's story continues to offer all people a beautiful example of perseverance and hope.
Our Mission
Founded in 1907 by the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is a Roman Catholic community of prayer and worship rooted in Augustinian spirituality. Inspired by the life of Saint Rita of Cascia, an Augustinian saint known as a healer, reconciler, and peacemaker, the Shrine seeks to inspire people from all walks of life to live these virtues as they come to know and encounter God and others.
Our Vision
As we deepen awareness of the message and life of Saint Rita, as well as the ministries 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.
To learn more about Saint Rita and the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, visit our website.
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