St. Rita Print

Sharing today a recent acquisition from my local antique store.  It is an antique print on tin of St. Rita.

I paid $30 for this print, on markdown from $40.  It is about 16"x20" and the plaster frame measures larger.  Yes, there is damage to the frame.  I did not care. 

I had been watching her at the antique store for a long time.  Things at home would need rearranging to accomodate her if I made this purchase.  Two weeks ago, I just up and bought her; enough already.  

Dan helped me to change around our wall decor in our family room.  He also gave me some (early) Christmas presents (!) since he didn't want to help me rearrange twice. 

Are you familiar with St. Rita?  I will make a long story short.  (This is condensed from Novena, The Power of Prayer, by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua).

Before she was born, an angel visited her mother and gave her this name.  She was an only child.

She was a child who had an overwhelming desire to become a nun.  Her parents said no.  She ended up in a terrible and violent marriage.  Ater almost 20 years, her husband was murdered.  Her sons were going to avenge his death.  She prayed their souls would not be stained with blood.  They were suddenly stricken with a terrible illness, repented, and died.

All she had lived for was gone.

She made several attempts to join a convent, but was turned down because of her prior marriage.  She kept praying about it, and had a mystical vision that she should try again.  The nuns accepted her with overwhelming support.

She devoted herself to caring for the older sick nuns.  Her prayers were said to be very powerful.

She was always prayerful and mediated on Christ's passion.  She had begged to feel Christ's suffering.

In meditation, a thorn from the crown pierced her forehead. The wound never healed.

She is often seen with roses because at her death the roses in her garden bloomed off-season so they could be used to adorn her casket.  Her body lies incorrupt in the city of Cascia.  It is the scene for countless miracles.

Many women ask for her help with marital problems because they can identify with her difficult life.

Here is where we hung her on our family room wall.  I'm so glad I finally made the purchase.

Linking up this week with

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Commom Ground

Feather Your Nest Friday at French County Cottage