Upcoming Events @ the Shrine
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Don’t forget that Thursday, May 9, 2024 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
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 12, 2024 through Monday, May 20, 2024!
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!
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 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass)
Sunday, June 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
May Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our final Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, May 19, 2024 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. Fr. Art Purcaro, O.S.A., Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Villanova University, will be the presider and homilist. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
April Donut Social
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 28, 2024 in the Cascia Center for our monthly donut social. All are welcome as we serve hot coffee and delicious donuts!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
2024 Week of Giving
Our goal is ambitious, but so are the dreams we have for the future of the Shrine. Some think it is impossible to raise $250,000 in a week, but we believe, through the intercession of Saint Rita, nothing is impossible for God. As we begin our 2024 #AnnualAppeal, we ask you to prayerfully consider supporting the work of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia.
For more information and to make a donation, visit our Week of Giving page.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
April Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our next Healing Mass on Sunday, April 21, 2024 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!
"End of Life" Planning Session
Saint Rita, received into heaven with joy, 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 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Shrine.
At the conclusion of Mass, we will process to the Saints’ Grotto in the Lower Shrine, where we will have a special blessing of the restored Divine Mercy image, and all the newly installed relics.
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!
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, March 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Shrine
Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
Saturday, March 30, 2024 | 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, March 29, 2024 | 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.
Stations of the Cross
Join us at 3:00 p.m. in the Upper Shrine on Good Friday for the Stations of the Cross. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Thursday, March 28, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
We invite you to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia as we begin the Sacred Paschal Triduum on Holy Thursday with our commemoration of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
With this Mass, celebrated in the evening of the Thursday in Holy Week, the Church begins the sacred Easter Triduum and devotes herself to the remembrance of the Last Supper. At the supper on the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus, loving those who were his own in the world even to the end, offered his Body and Blood to the Father under the appearance of bread and wine, gave them to the apostles to eat and drink, then enjoined the apostles and their successors in the priesthood to offer them in turn.
This Mass is, first of all, the memorial of the institution of the Eucharist, that is, of the Memorial of the Lord's Passover, by which under sacramental signs he perpetuated among us the sacrifice of the New Law. The Mass of the Lord's Supper is also the memorial of the institution of the priesthood, by which Christ's mission and sacrifice are perpetuated in the world. In addition, this Mass is the memorial of that love by which the Lord loved us even to death. To learn more, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website.
**The Shrine’s altar of repose will be available in the Cascia Center for private prayer and solemn adoration until 10:30 p.m.
Lenten Book Club
Looking to go a little deeper this Lenten season?
You’re invited to join us for a special “book club” that will meet each Monday during Lent after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass to work through Walk in Her Sandals: Experiencing Christ’s Passion through the Eyes of Women. This widely popular book written by Kelly M. Wahlquist takes you deeper into your relationship with Jesus by helping you relate to him in a profoundly intimate way. Looking at six universal gifts of women through the eyes of women in the Gospels, the book guides you on a prayerful and creative journey through the days of Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office. Copies of the book are available for sale in the Shrine’s Gift Shop or through the link below.
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
We invite you to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia as we begin Holy Week for our commemoration of Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.
Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. | Saturday Vigil Mass with Solemn Procession
Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. | Sunday Mass with Solemn Procession
Palm will be distributed at both Masses. Please also note that both our 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass and our 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass will begin in the plaza outside the Cascia Center (or inside the Center lobby if it is raining). We will then process together into the Shrine, utilizing the side doors, front doors, and elevator. If you would prefer to stay in the church and not be a part of the procession, you will still be able to hear the Gospel reading and opening prayer, but you will not see the procession until it reaches the Shrine.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Saint Rita Day of Service
Join us on Friday, March 22, 2024 for our inaugural Saint Rita Day of Service in honor of our beloved patroness, Rita of Cascia! Groups from throughout the country - schools, businesses, houses of formation, parishes, families and friends - are invited to take up a service project to promote the virtues that defined so much of Saint Rita’s life.
Saint Rita, help of those in need, pray for us!
-
Groups and individuals who are interested in participating in the Shrine’s Saint Rita Day of Service should reach out to Mr. Paul Koenig, the Shrine’s Coordinator of Programs and Pilgrimages.
Once you make your interest known to us, we can help you determine the best type of service for your group in your local community! -
The needs of every community are different, so we encourage you to pick a project that will meet an actual need and help shed light on the marginalized members of our society.
Some suggestions include: having a food drive for a local food pantry, collecting socks or other gently used clothes for a homeless shelter, writing letters to people in prison, collecting trash around your neighborhood, spending time at a local retirement community or home for the aging, or making meals for the homebound.
Whatever you decide to do, we encourage you to do it with great love and care for those whom you serve.
-
Saint Rita of Cascia was a remarkable woman of faith who understood the importance of perseverance, hope, and peacemaking in the midst of facing life’s obstacles. Her example of serving her community and promoting the greater good continues to resonate with and impact the lives of devotees around the world over 600 years later.
A national Saint Rita Day of Service not only promotes the life of Saint Rita, but it invites people from around the country to embody these virtues for themselves.
The mission of the Saint Rita Day of Service is to be inspired by the life of Saint Rita in a way that builds a better world for all people.
-
Friday, March 22, 2024 was chosen as the inaugural Saint Rita Day of Service because it is two months before the Solemn Feast of Saint Rita, giving us an opportunity to begin promoting our beloved patroness with people near and far.
This date is also the Friday before Holy Week, which offers a beautiful invitation to participate in acts of service before we enter into the Paschal Mystery, the greatest act of service and love known to humankind.
-
Our goal for 2024 is simple: Have 22 groups participate in our inaugural Saint Rita Day of Service! It doesn’t matter the type of group or its affiliation, our goal is to have 22 unique groups from around the country participate in this day.
-
To learn more, or to express interest in participating, we invite you to contact Mr. Paul Koenig, the Shrine’s Coordinator or Programs and Pilgrimages.
Or, you could fill out this form to register your group.
Lenten Book Club
Looking to go a little deeper this Lenten season?
You’re invited to join us for a special “book club” that will meet each Monday during Lent after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass to work through Walk in Her Sandals: Experiencing Christ’s Passion through the Eyes of Women. This widely popular book written by Kelly M. Wahlquist takes you deeper into your relationship with Jesus by helping you relate to him in a profoundly intimate way. Looking at six universal gifts of women through the eyes of women in the Gospels, the book guides you on a prayerful and creative journey through the days of Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office. Copies of the book are available for sale in the Shrine’s Gift Shop or through the link below.
March Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our next Healing Mass on Sunday, March 17, 2024 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!
A Marathon of Mercy: 12 Hours of Confession
Whether it’s been a few days or more than a few years, we invite you to join us on Saturday, March 16, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We will have six Augustinians (a new priest every two hours) to hear Confessions and serve as conduits of God’s mercy and love. Let nothing be an obstacle to experiencing the mercy and love of God in your life!
Saint Rita, generous in forgiving, pray for us!
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross. All are welcome!
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!
Lenten Book Club
Looking to go a little deeper this Lenten season?
You’re invited to join us for a special “book club” that will meet each Monday during Lent after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass to work through Walk in Her Sandals: Experiencing Christ’s Passion through the Eyes of Women. This widely popular book written by Kelly M. Wahlquist takes you deeper into your relationship with Jesus by helping you relate to him in a profoundly intimate way. Looking at six universal gifts of women through the eyes of women in the Gospels, the book guides you on a prayerful and creative journey through the days of Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office. Copies of the book are available for sale in the Shrine’s Gift Shop or through the link below.
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Lenten Meal Exchange
Join us for our second Lenten Meal Exchange on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. in the Cascia Center. The cost of lunch will be a $10 donation for Saint John’s Hospice, or a (frozen) casserole to be donated in support of their homeless outreach.
Casserole Guidelines:
Donated casseroles are the “Main Course” of a complete, hot meal that Saint John’s Hospice serves to hundreds of God’s poor and homeless each day. Bread, a beverage, and a dessert are also provided for each guest at every meal.
Each casserole should have a lid and should be a standard “half tray.” On average, each casserole should serve 6-8 men. Here are other useful hints to keep in mind as you prepare your casserole:
Please deliver casseroles frozen.
Prepare your recipe so that it can be eaten with a plastic “spork” (a combination spoon and fork). Saint John’s Hospice does not provide knives.
Please mark the lid with the main ingredients and date you prepared your casserole.
For more information about the casseroles, please visit the Saint John’s Hospice website, or contact Paul in the Shrine Office. Click here to see suggested recipes that have proven popular at Saint John’s Hospice.
Saint Rita and Saint John, 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!
Lenten Book Club
Looking to go a little deeper this Lenten season?
You’re invited to join us for a special “book club” that will meet each Monday during Lent after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass to work through Walk in Her Sandals: Experiencing Christ’s Passion through the Eyes of Women. This widely popular book written by Kelly M. Wahlquist takes you deeper into your relationship with Jesus by helping you relate to him in a profoundly intimate way. Looking at six universal gifts of women through the eyes of women in the Gospels, the book guides you on a prayerful and creative journey through the days of Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office. Copies of the book are available for sale in the Shrine’s Gift Shop or through the link below.
“Walking with Augustinians” Pilgrimage
You’re invited to join Modern Catholic Pilgrim and the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for a week-long pilgrimage from New York City to Philadelphia, Sunday, March 3, 2024 through Saturday, March 9, 2024.
This pilgrimage is open to young adults ages 18-39 (including college students), with a limited number of slots available. You will be accompanied by Augustinian Friars and led by a pilgrimage guide from Modern Catholic Pilgrim. Daily Mass will typically start each day, and prompts for prayer and meditation on the lives of Augustinian saints will guide the journey.
If you’d like to learn more about the pilgrimage and meet the team to help you decide whether you would like to participate, please visit our information page.
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross. All are welcome!