Inspiration from Saint Rita

Today I watched the movie, Saint Rita, from Ignatius Press and was really inspired. St. Rita is considered to be the patron saint of hopeless situations.

St. Rita of Cascia lived in 14th century Italy during times of violent feuds between families. She married a handsome knight and discovered that her husband and his family were involved in alliances, murder and revenge. The whole town lived in fear, and families on both sides were continually mourning the death of loved ones.

St. Rita is said to have been a brave woman who suffering greatly because of her husband and the violence in his family. She prayed fervently for him and, after eighteen years, he repented of his violent ways and converted to the faith. Shortly thereafter he was murdered. Her two sons vowed to avenge their father's death. Rita prayed that the boys might be turned from their plans. Tragedy struck again, and her sons died of the plague, repenting of their violent intentions before they died.

Rita struggled for a time with her faith in God, and eventually she found peace, new hope, forgiveness and purpose. She determined to bring an end to the violent feuding, something others declared impossible. Miraculously, she was able to bring about reconciliation and healing between the families.

The next 40 years she spent as an Augustinian nun and was known both for her prayer life and her service to the sick. There were many miracles attributed to her and, though she died in 1457, her body remains incorrupt (has not decayed) and can still be seen in Cascia, Italy.

I was inspired by the depiction of her courage in the face of circumstances that seemed hopeless and bleak. Today we can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the poor choices of government officials, food industries and drug companies. We can feel fear as nations war with one another and terrorists strike. Self-centeredness abounds in our "do it my way" society and violence reaches even into our school where children should be safe. We can feel powerless to make a difference.

May you be encouraged by this story to realize that you can make a difference - in your family, in your community and in the world at large. Just living a life of faith and love is a witness of hope to others. Living a healthier life will inspire others to make better choices. Voting for change and encouraging others to do the same can have an impact on our communities and country. Networking with other like-minded individuals can build strength and purpose.

Never underestimate the difference that just one person can make. I have been praying for the courage to be bold, to share God's love and be willing to make a difference in whatever way God might want to use me. There are many stories of how one person inspired the transformation of a town, an industry, a country. You and I could be that person!

Who has inspired you? Is there a book or movie that you can share with us so we can be inspired too?