The Feast of Saint Rita of Cascia was celebrated at the National Shrine, which the Augustinians maintain, at the parish of Saint Rita of Cascia on Broad Street in South Philadelphia. The annual Triduum began May 20 and culminated with her Feast Day, celebrated on May 22. The church was festooned with red roses, a flower associated with Saint Rita, a wife, mother, widow and Augustinian nun, who was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1900. She is known as the saint of impossible causes and the peacemaker. The faithful brought roses to the Masses for the “Blessing of the Roses,” and offered their praise and petitions to the Saint. Among the Augustinians celebrating were Prior Provincial Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Father Joe Genito, O.S.A., pastor of Saint Rita of Cascia parish, Father Jack Deegan, O.S.A., Father Luis Vera, O.S.A. and Father Michael Sullivan, O.S.A. Bishop Louis DeSimone, an affiliate of the Order, also joined in celebrating the Triduum. Photos are courtesy of Father Dan McLaughlin, O.S.A.
