Upcoming Events @ the Shrine
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
(Villanova) Day of Service
The Shrine will be hosting a group of students from Villanova University for a Day of Service on Saturday, September 20, 2025 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. You and your family (or anyone who might be interested in a morning of service) are welcome to join us! We will be picking up garbage around the block, painting around the church, and doing small projects around the property. All are welcome as we beautify our Shrine campus!
Saint Rita and Saint Thomas of Villanova, keep praying for us!
September Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our first Healing Mass of the new novena cycle on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Donuts with the Director: An Annual Report
You are invited to join the Shrine’s Executive Director at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025 in the Cascia Center for an annual update on the state of the Shrine. There will be a presentation on the progress of our maintenance projects, an update on the finances of the Shrine, the immediate and long-term ideas for growing the Shrine community, and so much more. This will also be your chance to ask questions and get answers! Coffee and donuts will be served.
And, if you can’t make it in person, fear not! We will stream the presentation through Zoom as well (a link will be included on this page as we get closer to the event).
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Rosary Walk for Peace
You’re invited to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – the first day of the month of the Holy Rosary – after the noon Mass at 12:45 p.m. for a rosary walk around South Philadelphia. We will begin in front of the Shrine, and then walk throughout our neighborhood praying the rosary. Our intention will be for a more peaceful world, a more peaceful community, and a more peaceful disposition in our hearts.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Columbus Day Schedule
In observance of Columbus Day on Monday, October 13, 2025, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. We will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. There will be no afternoon Confessions on Columbus Day. Our sacramental schedule for the day will be:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also close early on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Have a blessed and happy Columbus Day!
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Women's Conference
Join Catholic women from the greater Philadelphia area for a day of fun, friendship, faith formation, and prayer at the 2025 Catholic Women’s Conference. This year’s theme is “Women on Mission: The Feminine Genius in the New Apostolic Age.” Throughout the day, the focus will be the beauty of the feminine genius and the unique position of Catholic women, transformed by Christ, to bring the light of the Gospel to a society that no longer knows it needs Him. The Shrine will also be sponsoring a table at the conference! So, consider joining us on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA. Tracks are available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. Early sellout is expected.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
October Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our first Healing Mass of the new novena cycle on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Donut Social with Letters to Pope Leo
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, October 26, 2025 in the Cascia Center for our monthly donut social. In anticipation of the Feast of Pope Saint Leo the Great on Monday, November 10, 2025, we will be writing letters of encouragement and support to Pope Leo XIV. All are welcome as we serve hot coffee and delicious donuts!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Shrine to Shrine: A Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C.
You’re invited to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia and faithful from throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for a special pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The cost to reserve your seat on our chartered bus is $35 per person. We hope that you will be able to join us!
To learn more or to sign up for this pilgrimage, visit our information page.
Solemnity of All Saints
Don’t forget that Saturday, November 1, 2025, is the Solemnity of All Saints, a Holy Day of Obligation. Our sacramental schedule for the day includes:
8:00 a.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (in the Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (in the Upper Shrine)
4:00 p.m. Confessions (in the Lower Shrine)
5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass (in the Upper Shrine)
All you holy Saints of God, keep praying for us!
2026 Mass Book Opening
Mark your calendars and get ready to join us on Saturday, November 1, 2025 between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for the opening of our 2026 Mass Book!
Do you have someone you want to remember or celebrate?
For just $15, you can have a Mass offered for a loved one or friend at the Shrine. Specific dates fill up quickly, so be sure to make plans to join us on this special day!
All Souls Novena
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, the Church commemorates all the faithful departed (also known as All Souls Day); an opportunity to pray for our deceased family members and friends. Our Augustinian Friars will offer a special Novena of Masses for your deceased relatives and friends beginning Sunday, November 2, 2025, and extending through Monday, November 10, 2025.
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual All Souls Novena, please call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333, or visit our donation portal and include the names of your loved ones in the “comment” section.
We look forward to praying for and with you throughout this powerful period of intercession.
May the love of Christ, the intercession of the saints, and the promise of eternal life bring you comfort, strength, and peace. Saint Rita of Cascia and Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, keep praying for us!
Veterans Day Schedule
In observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. There will be no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Our sacramental schedule for the day will be:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also close early on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
We will reopen for our normal hours on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Have a blessed and happy Veterans Day!
Holy Hour + Happy Hour for Saint Augustine’s Birthday
We invite you to make plans to join us on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 beginning at 6:30 p.m. for our next evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and fellowship. After Adoration, we will enjoy a happy hour in the Cascia Center. All are welcome to experience this special time of prayer and fellowship! We hope to see you there!
Saint Rita and Saint Augustine, keep praying for us!
November Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our third Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Fr. Ray Dlugos, O.S.A., the Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Merrimack College, will be the presider and homilist.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Thanksgiving Food Drive for Saint Gabriel Food Cupboard
You’re invited to help families throughout South Philadelphia this Thanksgiving by supporting the Shrine’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Consider donating non-perishable food items (cans and boxes) for use at the Saint Gabriel Food Cupboard in the Greys Ferry section of South Philadelphia.
More information will be provided in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, please keep this project in mind the next time you go grocery shopping.
Saint Rita and Saint Gabriel, keep praying for us!
Thanksgiving Day Schedule
In observance of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27, 2025, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Friday, November 28, 2025. There will be no Confessions on Thanksgiving Day, and no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 and will remain closed until they reopen for normal business hours on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
Wedding Open House
The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is hosting its first Wedding Open House on Sunday, September 7, 2025 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Couples who are planning to get married at the Shrine, or considering the Shrine as an option for their sacramental marriage, are invited to stop by to listen to different sacred music options, tour the Shrine, speak with our Wedding Coordinator and Director of Sacred Music, ask questions about necessary paperwork, and more!
There is no cost to attend and you are welcome to bring your parents, family members, bridal party, and friends!
Refreshments will be available in the Cascia Center during the Open House.
No R.S.V.P. is needed, but to learn more, feel free to contact Valerie Iezzi, our Wedding Coordinator.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Feast of Our Mother of Consolation
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Feast of Our Mother of Consolation on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Mass will be offered at 8:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel and 12:00p.m. in the Upper Shrine.
Our Mother of Consolaion and Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Labor Day Schedule
In observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Upper Church. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will not be offered on Labor Day.
Please also note that on Sunday, August 31, 2025, the Shrine, Shrine Office and Gift Shop will close immediately after the 10:00 a.m. Mass.
Have a blessed and happy Labor Day weekend!
Solemnity of Saint Augustine
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Solemnity of Saint Augustine on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Mass will be offered at 8:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel and 12:00p.m. in the Upper Shrine.
Saint Augustine and Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Feast of Saint Monica
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Feast of Saint Monica on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Mass will be offered at 8:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel and 12:00p.m. in the Upper Shrine.
Saint Monica and Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Don’t forget that Friday, August 15, 2025 is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and have three opportunities to attend Mass in the Upper Shrine:
8:00 a.m. Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
5:30 p.m. Mass
Mary, Model of life for Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Altar Server Training
Have you ever dreamed of donning a cassock and surplice to serve at the altar during Mass? Maybe you are a father-son duo or a mother-daughter team? A single person, a retired couple, or a family of four? If you would be interested in learning how to altar serve, and have received your First Holy Communion, we invite you to join us on Sunday, August 10, 2025, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass for an introductory training session.
Becoming an altar server will put you right next to the action, helping you to learn more about our Catholic faith, celebrate the Mass with more intention, and share your gifts with our community. Previous experience is not required, but an openness to learning about this vital ministry is! If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of the Friars before or after Mass. We hope to see you there!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Independence Day Schedule
In observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4, 2025, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Saturday, July 5, 2025. There will be no Confessions on Independence Day.
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025.
Have a blessed and happy Fourth of July!
Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul
We invite you to join us in the Upper Shrine at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on
Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass)
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Saints Peter, Paul, and Rita, keep praying for us!
Shrine to Shrine: A Jubilee Year Pilgrimage
Calling all Pilgrims of Hope!
Throughout this Jubilee Year, we are encouraged to not only welcome pilgrims to our Shrine, but to go on pilgrimage ourselves. Even our best intentions can be thwarted by the realities of life, so to make things easier for you, we’ve arranged a few different pilgrimage opportunities for the rest of this Jubilee Year.
Our first stop: the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann!
Click the link to learn more and to register for the trip.
Saint Rita and Saint John Neumann, keep praying for us!
Juneteenth Schedule
In observance of Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. We will reopen for our Summer hours on Friday, June 20, 2025. There will be no afternoon Confessions on Juneteenth. Our sacramental schedule for the day will be:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also close early on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Have a blessed and happy Juneteenth!
Father's Day Novena
Looking for a special way to honor your father and other father-like figures in your life? We invite you to join us in prayer for our annual Father’s Day Novena, Sunday, June 15, 2025 through Monday, June 23, 2025!
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual Father’s Day Novena, please call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333, or visit our donation portal and include the names of your loved ones in the “comment” section. We look forward to praying for and with you throughout this powerful period of intercession.
Saint Rita, heroic in sacrifice, pray for us!
40 Hours Devotion for Pope Leo XIV
Join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia and the Sisters of Life for 40 Hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Monday, June 9, 2025 through Friday, June 13, 2025. Each day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the Lower Shrine Chapel. The intention of the 40 Hours will be for Pope Leo XIV and his pontificate. We hope to see you there!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
The Solemnity of Pentecost
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!
We invite you to join us in the Upper Shrine at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of Pentecost Sunday on
Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass)
Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Knights of Columbus Clothing Drive
The San Salvador Council of the Knights of Columbus is holding their annual Spring Clothing Drive in front of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Saturday, June 7, 2025 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. All donations raised are for the men, women, and children served by their partner ministries throughout the City of Philadelphia. Acceptable donations include:
New and gently used men's, women's, and children's clothing (all sizes)
Men's and women's underwear and socks (NEW ONLY)
Towels and Sheets
Men's belts
New and gently used shoes (no sandals)
Desk/Bedside lamps and end tables
Strollers
New socks, underwear and men’s belts are of particular need. They will also be accepting donations of new toiletries and gift cards on behalf of their ministry partners at the St. Paul Parish Homeless Ministry.
In-kind donations of new diapers and baby supplies for the Spring Diaper Drive can also be dropped off during this collection day.
Any questions please contact the Knights: kofcsouthphilly@gmail.com
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Don’t forget that Thursday, May 29, 2025 is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, and will offer three opportunities to attend Mass at the Shrine:
8:00 a.m. Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
5:30 p.m. Mass
Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. There will be no Confessions on Memorial Day.
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Have a blessed and happy Memorial Day weekend!
2025 Solemn Feast Day
Solemn Feast Day of Saint Rita of Cascia
Thursday, May 22, 2025
There are six Masses on the Feast Day this year.
Come celebrate with us!
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8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., & 7:00 p.m.
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9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., & 6:00 p.m.
In addition to Mass and Confession, make sure to buy roses, stop by the Gift Shop, and enjoy a delicious meal served in the Cascia Center!
May Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our third Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Mother's Day Novena
Looking for a special way to honor your mother and other mother-like figures in your life? We invite you to join us in prayer for our annual Mother’s Day Novena, Sunday, May 11, 2025 through Monday, May 19, 2025!
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual Mother’s Day Novena, please call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333, or visit our donation portal and include the names of your loved ones in the “comment” section. We look forward to praying for and with you throughout this powerful period of intercession.
Holy Mary, Mother of pure love, pray for us!
April Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our third Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Divine Mercy Sunday
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on
Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Shrine
2025 Week of Giving
Forming good, virtuous habits takes time. With your financial and prayerful support, we are confident that the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia will be able to continue the important work entrusted to us. To learn more about our 2025 Annual Appeal and to make a donation, visit our Week of Giving page.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Tolle Lege Day
Come Together With One Mind and One Heart on Thursday, April 24, 2025!
To kick off the Shrine’s annual Week of Giving, we invite you to participate in the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova’s “Tolle Lege Day!” This day of giving for the Augustinian Friars takes place every year on April 24th, the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Augustine! In fact, this is why the giving day is called Tolle Lege Day! “Tolle lege” means “take up and read,” and these are the words that moved Saint Augustine to pick up the Scriptures and find his way to faith and ultimately to his Conversion.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Shrine will join with other Augustinian ministries to come together with one mind and one heart to celebrate and bring awareness to the Augustinian charism, and all those who share in it. Every gift matters, no matter the size!
For more information and to make a donation that will support the Shrine and our Week of Giving initiatives, visit our Tolle Lege Day donation page.
And, be sure to join us live on Facebook at 7:00 p.m. on Tolle Lege Day for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the Augustinian ministries in South Philadelphia! The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova will be sitting down with Jonathan Jerome (the Shrine’s Executive Director), John Green (A.D.R.O.P.’s Executive Director), and Fr. Bob Guessetto, O.S.A. (Augustinian Friar and Assistant Shrine Director) to chat about each of their ministries. You won’t want to miss it!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed; let us then feast with joy in the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord on
Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Shrine
Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 8:00 p.m.
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
We invite you to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Holy Saturday for our celebration of the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter.
On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. It is the turning point of the Triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ's passage from death to life. Therefore, the Easter Vigil does not correspond to the usual Saturday evening Mass and its character is unique in the cycle of the liturgical year. To learn more, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website.
**The Easter Vigil Mass will begin in the Cascia Center plaza at 8:00 p.m.
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
Friday, April 18, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
We invite you to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Good Friday for our commemoration of the Lord’s Passion.
On Good Friday, the entire Church fixes her gaze on the Cross at Calvary. Each member of the Church tries to understand at what cost Christ has won our redemption. In the solemn ceremonies of Good Friday, in the Adoration of the Cross, in the chanting of the 'Reproaches,' in the reading of the Passion, and in receiving the pre-consecrated Host, we unite ourselves to our Savior, and we contemplate our own death to sin in the Death of our Lord. To learn more about Good Friday, visit this article by Catholic News Agency.