A Message from Our Executive Director

Dear Friends of St. Rita’s,

My name is Guilherme Lopes, or "G",  and I’m grateful to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. I’ve been looking forward to getting started, and I’m especially excited to get to know the people who make this Shrine such a meaningful place.

My background is in Catholic higher education and ministry, where I’ve had the privilege of accompanying young people as they ask questions, deepen their faith, and discern where God is calling them. Those experiences and relationships have shaped who I am and how I approach this work. They have taught me the importance of listening, being present, and making room for people to come as they are.

As I begin at St. Rita’s, I have a great deal to learn, and I’m looking forward to learning from you. I want to hear your stories, discover what brought you here, and understand what the Shrine has meant in your life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Augustinian community, staff, and volunteers, and to build on the care and dedication of so many who have served this place over the years.

People come to St. Rita’s carrying prayers of thanksgiving, worries about loved ones, and hopes they may find difficult to put into words. It is a privilege to help care for a place where those prayers are welcomed. I look forward to working together to ensure that everyone who visits finds a warm welcome and an invitation to draw closer to God.

If you see me around the Shrine, please introduce yourself. I would love to meet you.

Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this ministry, and know that I hold you and your loved ones in mine.

St. Rita, pray for us.

Guilherme Lopes
Executive Director