Ten days of prayer.
Ten days of celebration.
Ten days of powerful intercession.
It’s time to experience what’s possible with God through the intercession of Saint Rita!
Every year, for the past 117 years, the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia has gathered people from all walks of life to experience a vibrant community of faith, to honor Saint Rita as a beloved friend who intercedes on their behalf, and to deepen their relationship with God.
Solemn Novena to
Saint Rita of Cascia
Monday, May 13, 2024 through Tuesday, May 21, 2024
During the Solemn Novena, Masses are held in the Upper Shrine. Each Mass is followed by the Novena Prayers to Saint Rita and a blessing with her relic.
Monday, May 13, 2024 through Friday, May 17, 2024
Mass Times: 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., & 5:30 p.m.
Confession Times: 10:45 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Mass Times: 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., &
5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass)
Confession Times: 10:45 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Mass Times: 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. (Healing Mass)
Confession Time: 11:15 a.m.
Monday, May 20, 2024 through Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Mass Times: 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., & 5:30 p.m.
Confession Times: 10:45 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Solemn Feast of
Saint Rita of Cascia
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
There are six Masses on the Feast Day this year. Come celebrate with us!
Mass Times:
8:00 a.m.
Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Murray, O.S.A.
10:00 a.m.
Celebrant: Archbishop Nelson Pérez
12:00 p.m.
Celebrant: Cardinal Christophe Pierre
3:00 p.m.
Celebrant: Bishop William Koenig
5:00 p.m.
Celebrant: Fr. Anthony Pizzo, O.S.A.
7:00 p.m.
Celebrant: Fr. Robert Hagan, O.S.A.
Confession Times:
9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.,
2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., & 6:00 p.m.
Novena & Feast Day Visitor Tips
There are great options for parking and food this year!
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Cars will be able to drop pilgrims off in front of the Shrine on the Feast Day, and then park in one of our three remote parking lots. In preparation for the Feast Day, you can print parking instructions to help you find the closest available lot. A shuttle service will be available all day between the Shrine and the lots. A Google map for the three available lots can be found here.
Two-hour street parking is also available on Broad Street and around the Shrine. If you park in the middle of Broad Street (this is a South Philadelphia quirk) you can park for as long as you like. However, please do not park in a turn-lane or on any striped pavement - you may be ticketed or towed. When looking for parking around the Shrine, please use the utmost caution. -
Visitors from New Jersey can also take the PATCO line into the city. The Shrine is about a mile walk from the stop at 13th & Locust, or you can transfer to the Broad Street Line (BSL) Southbound, ride two stops and get off at the Ellsworth-Federal Station.
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Roses will be available for sale before each Feast Day Mass. The tent will be set up in the front of the Shrine by the entrance to the breezeway. Roses are $2.00 each, and all proceeds benefit the Shrine. Thank you for your generosity!
Roses will be blessed during each liturgy, along with any religious articles you bring or purchase at our Gift Shop.
Virtual roses are also available for sale through our online Gift Shop. Click here to learn more or purchase a virtual rose. -
Coffee and donuts will be available in the Cascia Center after the 8:00 a.m. Mass, with a simple South Philadelphia lunch being served after the 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Masses. All are welcome to join us!
A couple food trucks will also be available on Broad Street between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the Feast Day, with seating available in the Cascia Center. -
If you are looking for a place to stay while visiting Philadelphia, here is a list of nearby hotels that you may want to consider:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City