Upcoming Events @ the Shrine
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
Tolle Lege Day
Come Together With One Mind and One Heart on Thursday, April 24, 2025!
To kick off the Shrine’s annual Week of Giving, we invite you to participate in the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova’s “Tolle Lege Day!” This day of giving for the Augustinian Friars takes place every year on April 24th, the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Augustine! In fact, this is why the giving day is called Tolle Lege Day! “Tolle lege” means “take up and read,” and these are the words that moved Saint Augustine to pick up the Scriptures and find his way to faith and ultimately to his Conversion.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Shrine will join with other Augustinian ministries to come together with one mind and one heart to celebrate and bring awareness to the Augustinian charism, and all those who share in it. Every gift matters, no matter the size!
For more information and to make a donation that will support the Shrine and our Week of Giving initiatives, visit our Tolle Lege Day donation page.
And, be sure to join us live on Facebook at 7:00 p.m. on Tolle Lege Day for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the Augustinian ministries in South Philadelphia! The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova will be sitting down with Jonathan Jerome (the Shrine’s Executive Director), John Green (A.D.R.O.P.’s Executive Director), and Fr. Bob Guessetto, O.S.A. (Augustinian Friar and Assistant Shrine Director) to chat about each of their ministries. You won’t want to miss it!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
2025 Week of Giving
Forming good, virtuous habits takes time. With your financial and prayerful support, we are confident that the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia will be able to continue the important work entrusted to us. To learn more about our 2025 Annual Appeal and to make a donation, visit our Week of Giving page.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
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!
Mother's Day Novena
Looking for a special way to honor your mother and other mother-like figures in your life? We invite you to join us in prayer for our annual Mother’s Day Novena, Sunday, May 11, 2025 through Monday, May 19, 2025!
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual Mother’s Day 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.
Holy Mary, Mother of pure love, pray for us!
May 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, May 18, 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 the Ascension of the Lord
Don’t forget that Thursday, May 29, 2025 is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, and will offer three opportunities to attend Mass at the Shrine:
8:00 a.m. Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
5:30 p.m. Mass
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Open Choir Auditions
If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the Shrine’s choir, we invite you to audition on Sunday, April 6, 2025, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel. We are inviting musicians and vocalists from throughout South Philadelphia to stop by as we begin to expand our choir.
Each person will meet with Brooklyn McLaury Evangelista, our Director of Sacred Music, for roughly five minutes, so if interested, please come prepared to sing or play a piece of liturgical music, and bring a copy of the music for Brooklyn to accompany on the keyboard.
Help us spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, and other members of the community. All are welcome to audition!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Holy Hour + Happy Hour with America Media
We invite you to make plans to join us on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 beginning at 6:00 p.m. for our next evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and fellowship. 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, who will lead a discussion entitled, “How to talk to your friends about your #faith.” All are welcome to experience this special time of prayer and fellowship! We hope to see you there!
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!
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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 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!