<p>Saint Rita was born in Umbria, Italy, in 1386. Although she wanted to be a nun, her parents betrothed her to a cruel and ill-tempered man whom she married at age 18. When her husband was murdered 18 years later, her twin sons were determined to avenge his murder. Rita pleaded with them to forgive the murderers, and her prayers eventually prevailed. Now a widow, Rita sought to enter the convent, but was initially refused because some relatives of her husband's murderers were members. In time, through prayer and her personal intercession, a promise of peace and reconciliation was secured and she was admitted to the Augustinian convent at Cascia, living there 40 years in prayer, contemplation and service of the poor. She was canonized in 1900 and is a patron of impossible causes.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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