Patrons for our Patron Saints

In 2000, the Jubilee Year we dedicated the new shrine to Saint Rita of Cascia in celebration of the centenary year of her canonization and her entry into the universal Church calendar. In 2007, we will mark our Founding Year here in Philadelphia. We at Saint Rita’s would like to take this centenary year as our goal to have the devotional art in the National Shrine completed. Since 2001 we have added the Eucharistic Chapel, the mural of “Blessed Teresa Fasce”, (see Works in Progress) and “The Work of Peace” mural (see Painting) dedicated during our twinning of the shrines and blessed by his Excellence Ricardo Fontana, Archbishop of Spoleto and Norcia.

As St. Rita of Cascia followed the call and direction of her three patron saints, St. John the Baptist, St. Nicholas of Tolentine and St. Augustine, our vision here at the National Shrine is to follow her gaze as she and her patron saints follow Christ. In the three niches surrounding the center statue of Saint Rita, our intention is to have her three patron saints attend her, as they kneel with her in “Sacred Conversation” to witness Rita receiving her stigmata from the Resurgent Christ before her. However, our three niches still remain empty waiting and wanting the company of St. Rita’s patron saints. We now seek donors for these three patron saint statues, so important in the devotional life of the saint and to us as well. We hope you can help us make this goal.

Each patron saint statue will be made full life size, modeled in clay and then cast in bronze with patina to match that of St. Rita. In addition our resident artist has also designed the new altar façade that will grace the Eucharistic chapel. Entitled “Saint Rita in Repose” the life size bas relief will be cast in bronze with rose marble. The total cost for each statue will be $30,000 and can be made as memorials to families or to individuals. The names of those donors and their loved ones will be engraved into the marble bases of each statue.

For their considerable kindness and generosity, each patron will receive a signed print of “The Work of Peace” by our resident artist Anthony Visco with a signed certificate of authenticity. We thank you for your generosity.

For further information please contact:
Fr. Michael di Gregorio OSA Shrine director
St. Rita of Cascia National Shrine
1166 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215.546.8333
saintritashrine@aol.com