# Prayer for Hopeless Cases: St. Rita, Patron of the Impossible
*2015-05-20*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. Rita, patron of impossible cases, and offers a heartfelt prayer for children suffering from serious illness and for anyone facing seemingly hopeless situations.

## Why St. Rita?

St. Rita of Cascia was born in Spoleto, Italy, in 1381. She begged her parents to let her enter a convent, but they arranged a marriage instead. For twenty years she endured an abusive husband, yet she remained faithful and patient. After his death she entered a convent and devoted herself to the poor and the broken‑hearted. Because she knows what it feels like to suffer in an apparently impossible situation, the Church named her the patron of hopeless cases.

## A Prayer for the Impossible

Oh St. Rita, saint who intercedes for what seems impossible, advocate of hopeless cases, I turn to you burdened by the weight of my trial. Free my poor heart from the worries that oppress it and give peace to my broken spirit. You, chosen by God to be the advocate of hopeless cases, obtain for me the grace I now ask.

My special intention is for all the poor children who suffer from terrible diseases such as cancer, when the situation seems impossible. Yet everything is possible through God.

If my sins stand in the way of my prayers, obtain for me the grace of sincere repentance and forgiveness through a good confession. Whatever may happen, do not allow me to continue living in such tremendous suffering. Take pity on me, O Lord.

## Closing Petition

St. Rita, who intercedes for us when we feel without hope because of our trials, hear my prayer once again. Manifest your mercy in us and in all your children. Amen.

*Even in the darkest moments, St. Rita reminds us that God’s mercy can turn hopelessness into hope.*