The Roses of St. Rita

The custom among the Augustinians of blessing and distributing roses on the Feast Day of St. Rita (May 22) is to commemorate the miraculous blooming of a rose in the garden of St. Rita's home in Rocca Porrena, Italy, in the month of January, when the ground was covered with snow. It also commemorates the heavenly odor which emanates from the body of the Saint, especially at times when she is particularly lavish in her favors, diffusing itself abroad and affecting remarkable cures. The Holy See, having been so impressed by this wonderful occurrence, caused it to be thoroughly investigated and finally accepted it as one of the three miracles required for the canonization of the Saint.

Prayer of Blessing

Almighty and eternal God,
By your word you make all things holy.
Pour out your blessing + upon those
Who will devoutly receive these roses,
Which we present to you in honor of St. Rita of Cascia,
And by the merits of your son Jesus' suffering and dying,
Grant them healing in their illness,
Courage and strength in carrying their cross,
And perseverance in following Christ,
Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen

Sprinkle the roses with holy water before distribution.

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