Upcoming Events @ the Shrine
2025 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 Friday, January 2, 2026, 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!
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, a holy day of obligation:
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Holy Day Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Holy Mary, Mother of pure love, pray for us!
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 3, 2026
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
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!
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 10, 2026
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
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!
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 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Fr. Joseph Narog, O.S.A., the pastor of Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish in Villanova, PA will serve as our celebrant 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!
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Schedule
In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Upper Shrine. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. 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, 2026 in observance of the holiday.
Have a blessed and happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend!
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!
January Donut Social
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, January 25, 2026 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!
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 27, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
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:
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 25, 2025
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.
Advent Book Club
Join us for our final book club meeting of Advent 2025!
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office.
Copies of the book are available for sale through the link below.
December Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our fourth Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Fr. David Cregan, O.S.A., Dean of the College of Professional Studies at Villanova University, will serve as the celebrant 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!
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 20, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 21, 2025
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!
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!
A Visit from Santa Claus
You and your family are invited to join us on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 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!
Advent Book Club
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office.
Copies of the book are available for sale through the link below.
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 13, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
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!
A Marathon of Mercy: 12.5 Hours of Confession
Whether it’s been a few days or more than a few years, we invite you to join us on Saturday, December 13, 2025, between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 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!
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
You’re invited to join us for Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, December 12, 2025! 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!
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!
Advent Book Club
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office.
Copies of the book are available for sale through the link below.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Don’t forget that Monday, December 8, 2025 is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and have three opportunities to attend Mass in the Upper Shrine:
8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., & 5:30 p.m.
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 6, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
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!
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!
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 3, 2025, 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!
#iGiveCatholic Day of Giving
Light plays a powerful role in every act of faith. It helps us to see clearly and focus in prayer, it dispels the darkness around us, and reminds us of God's presence in our daily lives.
In the Upper Shrine, new lighting is needed to illuminate the mural in the apse behind the altar. This mural depicts Saint Rita, surrounded by the communion of saints, being received into heaven with joy. For 119 years, patrons and visitors have gazed upon the beauty of this image, whose vibrant colors and intricate details reflect the devotion and skill of the Italian and Irish immigrants who painted it in 1907. As a signature element of the Shrine's sacred art since its founding, it deserves to be seen in all its glory!
At the same time, the Lower Shrine is in need of new circuit boards for our lighting system. Home to our Saints’ Grotto, Adoration Chapel, and Confessionals, the Lower Shrine serves as a spiritual oasis and place of quiet reflection for countless visitors every day. New circuit boards will allow us to use LED light bulbs, making each of these sacred spaces more welcoming and prayerful for all who visit.
As we continue to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Saint Rita's canonization, these two projects will help us shine a light on our beloved patroness and her inspiring story in a meaningful way. By restoring and enhancing the lighting throughout the Shrine, we will help every visitor experience Saint Rita’s message of faith, peace, and perseverance more vividly than ever before.
To learn more about our 2025 Giving Tuesday appeal and to make a donation, visit our #iGiveCatholic page.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Advent Book Club
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office.
Copies of the book are available for sale through the link below.
Donut Social
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, November 30, 2025 in the Cascia Center for our monthly donut social. We will be celebrating the start of our new liturgical year! All are welcome as we serve hot coffee and delicious donuts!
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 29, 2025
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 30, 2025
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 27, 2025, 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 28, 2025. There will be no Adoration or Confessions on Thanksgiving Day, and no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 and will remain closed until they reopen for normal business hours on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
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 through the link below.
Thanksgiving Food Drive for Saint Gabriel Food Cupboard
Saint Rita and Saint Gabriel, keep praying for us!
Shrine to Shrine: A Jubilee Year Pilgrimage
Calling all Pilgrims of Hope!
Throughout this Jubilee Year, we are encouraged to not only welcome pilgrims to our Shrine, but to go on pilgrimage ourselves. Even our best intentions can be thwarted by the realities of life, so to make things easier for you, we’ve arranged a few different pilgrimage opportunities for the rest of this Jubilee Year.
Our next stop: the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal!
Click the link to learn more and to register for the trip.
Holy Mary, Model of life for 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!
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 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!
Holy Hour + Happy Hour for Saint Augustine’s Birthday
We invite you to make plans to join us on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 beginning at 6:30 p.m. for our next evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and fellowship. After Adoration, we will enjoy a happy hour in the Cascia Center. All are welcome to experience this special time of prayer and fellowship! We hope to see you there!
Saint Rita and Saint Augustine, keep praying for us!
Veterans Day Schedule
In observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. There will be no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Tuesday, November 11, 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 Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
We will reopen for our normal hours on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Have a blessed and happy Veterans Day!
All Souls Novena
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, the Church commemorates all the faithful departed (also known as All Souls Day); 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 Sunday, November 2, 2025, and extending through Monday, November 10, 2025.
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.