Saint Rita was born near Spoleto. She wanted to
be a nun but her family married her young
to a man, and their two children. Her two
sons and husband died. She sought to realize
her childhood vocation but monastic orders
do not lightly accept women who are of the
married state. Finally she was admitted by
Augustinian nuns at Cascia in Umbria. Her
great devotion was to the Passion of Christ,
suffering herself the wound of the thorn.
She fasted, prayed, was greatly obedient
and practiced charity.