 Saint Nicholas of Tolentine
(1245 - 1305) was one of the three special patron saints of Rita from her childhood until
her death. Nicholas joined the Augustinian Order soon after its foundation in l244, and
was its first member to be canonized a saint. His life as a friar was spent principally in
the city of Tolentino, in the Marches along the Adriatic coast, where he became well known
as a pastor of souls, preacher and great benefactor of the sick and poor. Several
incidents during his lifetime demonstrated the efficacy of his prayers on behalf of the
Souls in Purgatory and, for this reason, he has been designated as the patron saint of the
faithful departed. Here he is depicted celebrating Mass on their behalf. |
