Upcoming Events @ the Shrine
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!
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.
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!
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 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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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!
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!
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!
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, December 14, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. 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 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!
Holy Hour + Happy Hour for Saint Augustine’s Birthday
We invite you to make plans to join us on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:30 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. All are welcome to experience this special time of mercy, prayer, and fellowship!
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.
Through the intercession of Saint Rita, may we, and all those we love, come to know the happiness felt in leaving this life for union with God.
Solemnity of All Saints
Don’t forget that Friday, November 1, 2024, is the Solemnity of All Saints, a Holy Day of Obligation. Our sacramental schedule for the day includes:
8:00 a.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (in the Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (in the Upper Shrine)
4:00 p.m. Confessions (in the Lower Shrine)
5:30 p.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
All you holy Saints of God, keep praying for us!
Halloween Donut Social
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, October 27, 2024 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!
2025 Mass Book Opening
Mark your calendars and get ready to join us on Saturday, October 26, 2024 between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for the opening of our 2025 Mass Book!
Do you have someone you want to remember or celebrate?
For just $15, you can have a Mass offered for a loved one or friend at the Shrine. Specific dates fill up quickly, so be sure to make plans to join us on this special day!
October Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our second Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Fr. Jim McBurney, O.S.A. 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!
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Women's Conference
Join Catholic women from the greater Philadelphia area for a day of fun, friendship, faith formation, and prayer at the 2024 Catholic Women’s Conference. This year’s theme is “The Joys of Womanhood, Sacred, Beloved, & Beautiful.” Throughout the day, the focus will be how women are daughters of God with unique gifts that, when cultivated, will bring joy to themselves and others. The Shrine will also be sponsoring a table at the conference! So, consider joining us on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA. Tracks are available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. Early sellout is expected.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Columbus Day Schedule
In observance of Columbus Day on Monday, October 14, 2024, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. We will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. There will be no afternoon Confessions on Columbus Day. 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, October 14, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Columbus Day!
Donuts with the Director: An Annual Report
You are invited to join the Shrine’s Executive Director at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024 in the Cascia Center for an annual update on the state of the Shrine. There will be a presentation on the progress of our maintenance projects, an update on the finances of the Shrine, the immediate and long-term ideas for growing the Shrine community, and so much more. This will also be your chance to ask questions and get answers! Coffee and donuts will be served.
And, if you can’t make it in person, fear not! We will stream the presentation through Zoom.
Meeting ID: 989 703 4176
Passcode: 1166
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Rosary Walk for Peace
You’re invited to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Saturday, September 21, 2024 – the United Nations’ International Day of Peace – after the noon Mass at 12:45 p.m. for a rosary walk around South Philadelphia. We will begin in front of the Shrine, and then walk throughout our neighborhood praying the rosary. Our intention will be for a more peaceful world, a more peaceful community, and a more peaceful disposition in our hearts.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
September Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our first Healing Mass of the new novena cycle on Sunday, September 15, 2024 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!
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
We invite you to join us for our celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Mass will be offered at 8:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel, and 12:00p.m. (with music) in the Upper Shrine.
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!