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Saints have been chosen by public acclaim since the Tenth
century. However over the years saints' stories were distorted
or some saints never existed so the Vatican eventually took over
the authority of approving sainthood. The title of 'Saint' specifies
that a person lived a holy life and is now in heaven. Canonization
does not 'make' a person a saint. Canonization recognizes that
God has already accepted that person's sainthood.
The process of canonization begins after death when a local
bishop investigates that person's life for heroic virtue (or martyrdom)
and orthodoxy of doctrine. Then, a Vatican panel of theologians
evaluate the candidate. After approval by the panel and cardinals
of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the pope proclaims
the candidate "venerable." The next step is Beatification
which requires evidence of one miracle (except in the case of
martyrs). Miracles are considered proof that the person has gained
heaven and can intercede for us. A miracle must take place after
the candidate's death as a result of a specific petition to the
candidate. When a miracle is proven the candidate is beatified
or 'blessed'. After one more miracle is proven the pope will canonize
the person as saint (this also includes martyrs). Because canonization
is infallible and irrevocable, it takes a great deal of time,
effort and study to uncover indisputable fact before a person
will even be considered for sainthood.
Patron Saints are chosen as special guardians and/or protectors
to certain aspects of life, churches, occupations, illness, causes,
those things that are important to us. Churches and people were
named after apostles and martyrs as early as the fourth century.
Patron saints are often chosen because of an interest, talent
or some other special area in life.
The first and principal evidence that God has granted St. Rita
of Cascia, Italy, Patron Saint of the Impossible sainthood
is that over hundreds of years since her death her body remains
so well-preserved she looks as though she is sleeping. Before
her Beatification her eyes were closed; since her Beatification
they have been partially opened. Her mouth also is open so that
one can see her white teeth.
The second prodigy pertains to the habit and veil Saint Rita
wore from the time she entered the convent until she died. These
garments also served for her funeral shroud and after hundreds
of years on her body are still intact and in good condition. Bits
of cloth laid on these garments of St. Rita and then given to
people afflicted by illness have rendered many people cured.
The third prodigy pertains to the sweet fragrance that constantly
emanates from the body of Saint Rita and sometimes perfumes the
atmosphere beyond the walls of the Church.
The fourth prodigy, which is especially noticeable on her
feast day, May 22nd, is that the body of Saint Rita elevates itself
so that it touches the network of wires covering the coffin.
The fifth prodigy pertains to the little breads distributed
by the nuns on Saint Rita Day and to visitors of her tomb. These
breads have the figure Rita the Saint stamped upon them and are
covered with cloths that have touched Saint Rita's shroud. Many
persons who have eaten one of these breads have been cured from
fever and other maladies. Rain and hail storms, even storms at
sea, have suddenly ceased when one of these breads was exposed
to the air and accompanied with a recitation of an "Our Father"
and a "Hail Mary."
The sixth prodigy is manifested in the wonderful healing
power of the oil of the lamp that is kept constantly lighted before
the Tomb of St. Rita. A few drops of this oil have cured many
who sought the intercession of Rita de Cascia. The lamp was given
to the shrine as thanksgiving from Pompeo Benenato in 1616, a
native of Cascia, who suffered such serious nosebleed he became
weak from blood loss. Being a man of faith, he made a Novena to
St. Rita and on the ninth day when the nose and nostrils were
anointed with oil while making the Sign of the Cross the bleeding
ceased.
Patronage of Saint Rita
Saint Rita the Saint of abuse victims,
victims of physical spouse abuse,
difficult marriages.
Rita Saint of parenthood,
againts infertility,
sterile people,
against sterility,
against loneliness.
Dalayap, Philippines
Igbaras, Iloilo, Philippines
St. Rita of the Impossible desperate causes,
forgotten causes,
impossible causes,
lost causes.
St Rita Patron Saint of widows,
wounded people,
against wounds,
bodily ills
sick people,
against sickness.
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