Upcoming Events @ the Shrine
Ash Wednesday
We invite you to make plans to join us for Mass on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the beginning of the season of Lent.
We will have Mass with the distribution of Ashes at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. in the Upper Shrine.
Saint Rita, martyr in penitence, pray for us!
Ash Wednesday Meal
Have your “Large Meal” with Us!
Make plans to join us on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, after the 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Masses for a Lenten meal. Days of fasting and abstinence can sometimes feel impossible, but with the support of a community and a delicious, albeit simple, meal, we can start Lent focused and primed for spiritual success! The meal will take place in the Cascia Center and will cost $10 per person. We hope to see you there!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross.
All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross.
All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
“Go to Him” Week
All are invited to visit a special altar dedicated to Saint Joseph in the vestibule of the Upper Shrine throughout our inaugural “Go to Him” week! In addition to lighting candles and asking for Saint Joseph’s intercession, we encourage our patrons to drop off non-perishable food items for us to donate to the Saint Gabriel Food Pantry in the Greys Ferry section of South Philadelphia.
Click here to learn more about the history of the Saint Joseph altar.
Saint Rita and Saint Joseph, keep praying for us!
March Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our third Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Solemnity of Saint Joseph
Stop by after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph to enjoy a zeppole in the Cascia Center!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Saint Rita Day of Service
Join us on Friday, March 21, 2025 for our second annual Saint Rita Day of Service in honor of our beloved patroness, Rita of Cascia! Groups from throughout the country - schools, businesses, houses of formation, parishes, families and friends - are invited to take up a service project to promote the virtues that defined so much of Saint Rita’s life.
Saint Rita, help of those in need, pray for us!
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Groups and individuals who are interested in participating in the Shrine’s Saint Rita Day of Service should reach out to Mrs. Katie Clymer, the Shrine’s Coordinator of Programs and Pilgrimages.
Once you make your interest known to us, we can help you determine the best type of service for your group in your local community! -
The needs of every community are different, so we encourage you to pick a project that will meet an actual need and help shed light on the marginalized members of our society.
Some suggestions include: having a food drive for a local food pantry, collecting socks or other gently used clothes for a homeless shelter, writing letters to people in prison, collecting trash around your neighborhood, spending time at a local retirement community or home for the aging, or making meals for the homebound.
Whatever you decide to do, we encourage you to do it with great love and care for those whom you serve.
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Saint Rita of Cascia was a remarkable woman of faith who understood the importance of perseverance, hope, and peacemaking in the midst of facing life’s obstacles. Her example of serving her community and promoting the greater good continues to resonate with and impact the lives of devotees around the world over 600 years later.
A national Saint Rita Day of Service not only promotes the life of Saint Rita, but it invites people from around the country to embody these virtues for themselves.
The mission of the Saint Rita Day of Service is to be inspired by the life of Saint Rita in a way that builds a better world for all people.
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Friday, March 21, 2025 was chosen as the date for our second annual Saint Rita Day of Service because it is two months before the Solemn Feast of Saint Rita, giving us an opportunity to begin promoting our beloved patroness with people near and far.
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Our goal for 2025 is simple: Have at least 22 groups participate in our second annual Saint Rita Day of Service! It doesn’t matter the type of group or its affiliation, our goal is to have 22 unique groups from around the country participate in this day.
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To learn more, or to express interest in participating, we invite you to contact Mrs. Katie Clymer, the Shrine’s Coordinator or Programs and Pilgrimages.
Or, you could fill out this form to register your group.
Want to sponsor the Saint Rita Day of Service? Learn more here.
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross.
All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Holy Hour + Happy Hour with America Media
We invite you to make plans to join us on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. for our next evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Reconciliation. After Adoration, we will have a happy hour in the Cascia Center sponsored by Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis, the hosts of America Media’s Jesuitical, a podcast for young Catholics. All are welcome to experience this special time of mercy, prayer, and fellowship!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross.
All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Donut Social with Easter Cards for the Sisters of Saint Rita
Join us on Sunday, March 30, 2025 after the 10:00 a.m. Mass for our monthly donut social! While we enjoy each other’s company, we will write Easter cards of hope and encouragement to the residents and patients of Saint Monica’s Senior Living in Racine, WI, who are cared for by the Sisters of Saint Rita. We hope to see you there!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross.
All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
A Marathon of Mercy: 12 Hours of Confession
Whether it’s been a few days or more than a few years, we invite you to join us on Saturday, April 5, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Lower Shrine Confessionals for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We will have six Augustinians (a new priest every two hours) to hear Confessions and serve as conduits of God’s mercy and love. Let nothing be an obstacle to experiencing the mercy and love of God in your life!
Saint Rita, generous in forgiving, pray for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Stations of the Cross
Join us immediately following the 12:00 p.m. Mass in the Upper Shrine each Friday of Lent for the Stations of the Cross.
All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
We invite you to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia as we begin Holy Week for our commemoration of Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. | Saturday Vigil Mass with Solemn Procession
Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. | Sunday Mass with Solemn Procession
Palms will be distributed at both Masses. Please also note that both our 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass and our 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass will begin in the plaza outside the Cascia Center (or inside the Upper Shrine vestibule if it is raining). We will then process together into the Shrine, utilizing the side doors, front doors, and elevator. If you would prefer to stay in the church and not be a part of the procession, you will still be able to hear the Gospel reading and opening prayer, but you will not see the procession until it reaches the Shrine.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
An Evening of Sacred Music
Join us on Monday of Holy Week, Monday, April 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Upper Shrine for an evening of Sacred Music.
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber’s "Rosary Sonata" will be played on the cello, with hymns for Holy Week offered by the choir and visiting soloists.
All are welcome to attend as we enter ever more deeply into the Paschal Mystery.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Pray Your Way Tuesday
The Upper and Lower Shrines will stay open late on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 for anyone who desires a space for personal prayer, silence, meditation, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the midst of Holy Week. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
We invite you to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia as we begin the Sacred Paschal Triduum on Holy Thursday with our commemoration of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
With this Mass, celebrated in the evening of the Thursday in Holy Week, the Church begins the sacred Easter Triduum and devotes herself to the remembrance of the Last Supper. At the supper on the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus, loving those who were his own in the world even to the end, offered his Body and Blood to the Father under the appearance of bread and wine, gave them to the apostles to eat and drink, then enjoined the apostles and their successors in the priesthood to offer them in turn.
This Mass is, first of all, the memorial of the institution of the Eucharist, that is, of the Memorial of the Lord's Passover, by which under sacramental signs he perpetuated among us the sacrifice of the New Law. The Mass of the Lord's Supper is also the memorial of the institution of the priesthood, by which Christ's mission and sacrifice are perpetuated in the world. In addition, this Mass is the memorial of that love by which the Lord loved us even to death. To learn more, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website.
**The Shrine’s altar of repose will be available in the Cascia Center for private prayer and solemn adoration until 11:00 p.m.
Stations of the Cross
Join us at 3:00 p.m. in the Upper Shrine on Good Friday for the Stations of the Cross.
All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
Friday, April 18, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
We invite you to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Good Friday for our commemoration of the Lord’s Passion.
On Good Friday, the entire Church fixes her gaze on the Cross at Calvary. Each member of the Church tries to understand at what cost Christ has won our redemption. In the solemn ceremonies of Good Friday, in the Adoration of the Cross, in the chanting of the 'Reproaches,' in the reading of the Passion, and in receiving the pre-consecrated Host, we unite ourselves to our Savior, and we contemplate our own death to sin in the Death of our Lord. To learn more about Good Friday, visit this article by Catholic News Agency.
Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 8:00 p.m.
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
We invite you to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Holy Saturday for our celebration of the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter.
On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. It is the turning point of the Triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ's passage from death to life. Therefore, the Easter Vigil does not correspond to the usual Saturday evening Mass and its character is unique in the cycle of the liturgical year. To learn more, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website.
**The Easter Vigil Mass will begin in the Cascia Center plaza at 8:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed; let us then feast with joy in the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord on
Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Shrine
Divine Mercy Sunday
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on
Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Shrine
April Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our third Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
February Donut Social
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, February 23, 2025 in the Cascia Center for our monthly donut social. All are welcome as we serve hot coffee and delicious donuts!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Presidents’ Day Schedule
In observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 17, 2025, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. There will be no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Monday, February 17, 2025. Our sacramental schedule for the day will be:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also close early on Monday, February 17, 2025.
We will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Have a blessed and happy Presidents’ Day!
February Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our third Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
January Donut Social
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, January 26, 2025 in the Cascia Center for our monthly donut social. All are welcome as we serve hot coffee and delicious donuts!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Schedule
In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, January 19, 2025, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Upper Church. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2025. There will be no Confessions on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Please note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also be closed Monday, January 19, 2025 in observance of the holiday.
Have a blessed and happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend!
January Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for the fifth Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
The Baptism of the Lord
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Baptism of the Lord on
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
The Epiphany of the Lord
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord on
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Christmas, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God:
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Holy Day Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Holy Mary, Mother of pure love, pray for us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Christmas, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph:
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Christmas Novena
The lay staff and Augustinian friars at the Shrine offer gratitude and thanks to God for the many individuals and families who have chosen to accompany us throughout this past year and who remind us of God’s presence along the way. As an expression of our heartfelt gratitude for your support, we will offer a Novena of Masses for you and your loved ones during this Christmas Season. Our annual Christmas Novena will begin on Christmas Day and will conclude on Thursday, January 2, 2025, the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen.
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual Christmas Novena, please call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333, or visit our donation portal and include the names of your loved ones in the “comment” section.
We look forward to praying for and with you throughout this powerful period of intercession.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
The Nativity of the Lord
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Christmas, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Nativity of the Lord:
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Feast Day Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Dear God,
In the darkness of the virgin's womb the holy child grows. In the darkness of the world's pain, the blessed light begins to kindle. In the darkness of our own doubting of You and of ourselves, the great hope begins to rise again like a lump in the throat: the hope that You will come to us truly, that the child will be born again in our midst, the Prince of Peace in a world at war, the hope that You will ransom us and our world from the darkness that seeks to destroy us.
O Lord, the gift of new life, new light, can be a gift truly only if we open ourselves to receive it. So this is our prayer, Lord: that You will open our eyes to see Your glory in the coming again of light each day, open our ears to hear the angels hymn in the stirring within us of joy at the coming of the child, open our hearts to the transforming power of Your love as it comes to us through the love of all those who hold us most dear and have sacrificed most for us.
Be born among us that we may ourselves be born. Be born within us that by words and deeds of love we may bear the tidings of Your birth to a world that dies for lack of love. We ask it in the child's name.
Amen.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Advent season, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Advent:
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Third Sunday of Advent
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Advent season, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Third Sunday of Advent:
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Healing Mass | 12:00 p.m.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
You’re invited to join us for Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, December 12, 2024! After the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass, we will have a procession from the Upper Shrine to the beautiful statue of Our Lady in the Breezeway, where we will offer a special blessing. All are welcome to join us for this special feast day as we honor the Patroness of the Americas and the unborn.
Saints Rita and Juan Diego, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, keep praying for us!
A Visit from Santa Claus
You and your family are invited to join us on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for a visit with Santa Claus. As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we will have an opportunity for families to meet Santa, enjoy cookies and cocoa, do some crafts, watch a holiday movie, and ring in the Christmas season! All are welcome to join us for this afternoon of fun and cheer!
Saint Nicholas and Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Even though the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is not a Holy Day of Obligation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this year, we have three opportunities to attend Mass at the Shrine:
8:00 a.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
12:00 p.m. Mass (in the Upper Shrine)
5:30 p.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
Holy Mary, model of life for Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Second Sunday of Advent
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Advent season, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Second Sunday of Advent:
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Lessons & Carols for Hope
Save the date!
You and your loved ones are invited to join us for a special evening of Lessons & Carols on Saturday, December 7, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visiting choirs and musicians from around Philadelphia will join us for this event of the season as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas and pray for peace in our world, our city, and our hearts. We hope that you will make plans to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
The Light is On for You
We’re leaving the light on for you!
You are invited to stop by the Shrine on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for personal prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, an opportunity to speak with a priest, or just to sit in silence. This is open to everyone who might need a few extra moments with the Lord as we prepare for the Christmas season.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
First Sunday of Advent
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Advent season, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the First Sunday of Advent:
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Thanksgiving Day Schedule
In observance of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Friday, November 29, 2024. There will be no Confessions on Thanksgiving Day, and no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 and will remain closed until they reopen for normal business hours on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
Advent Book Club
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office. Copies of the book are available for sale in the Shrine’s Gift Shop or through the link below.
Advent Book Club
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office. Copies of the book are available for sale in the Shrine’s Gift Shop or through the link below.
November Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our third Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Fr. Ray Dlugos, O.S.A., the Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Merrimack College, will be the presider and homilist.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Veterans Day Schedule
In observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, 2024, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. There will be no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Monday, November 11, 2024. Our sacramental schedule for the day will be:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also close early on Monday, November 11, 2024.
We will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Veterans Day!
All Souls Novena
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the Church commemorates all the faithful departed (also known as #AllSoulsDay), an opportunity to pray for our deceased family members and friends. Our Augustinian Friars will offer a special Novena of Masses for your deceased relatives and friends beginning Saturday, November 2, 2024, and extending through Sunday, November 10, 2024.
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual All Souls Novena, please call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333, or visit our donation portal and include the names of your loved ones in the “comment” section.
We look forward to praying for and with you throughout this powerful period of intercession.