The novena candle dedicated to Saint Rita is one of the most popular in the Catholic tradition, often used to accompany the prayers of those in desperate or impossible situations. Saint Rita, known as the "Saint of Lost Causes" or the "Saint of Desperate Causes", is a figure deeply venerated for her powerful intercession. The faithful turn to her when they are faced with insurmountable trials, whether they be family difficulties, health problems, relationship conflicts or any other situation that seems hopeless.
Who is Saint Rita?
Saint Rita of Cascia (1381-1457) was an Italian saint who lived a life full of suffering, but also of unshakeable faith. Married to a violent man, she managed to live out her marriage with patience and love, hoping for his conversion, which finally came shortly before her death. After the tragic death of her husband and children, she entered an Augustinian convent, where she devoted the rest of her life to prayer, meditation and acts of charity.
What makes Saint Rita particularly venerated are the miracles attributed to her intercession. It is said that, even after her death, she continued to perform miracles for those who prayed with faith and perseverance. Her ability to intercede for situations deemed "impossible" earned her the title of "Saint of Desperate Causes". As a result, thousands of faithful around the world light novena candles in her honour, asking for her help and intercession.
What is a Saint Rita novena candle?
A novena candle is a candle designed to burn for nine consecutive days, symbolising nine days of prayer and devotion. In Catholic tradition, the number nine represents perseverance and continuity in prayer. The practice of the novena dates back to the nine days of prayer that the apostles and the Virgin Mary dedicated between the Ascension of Christ and Pentecost, praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Since then, novenas have become an important spiritual means of praying intensely for a particular intention.
The novena candle dedicated to Saint Rita is often adorned with her image, depicting the saint holding a crown of thorns or a rose, symbols of suffering and love. It is also accompanied by a prayer printed on the label, which the faithful can recite every day during the nine days of prayer. The candle's continuously burning flame symbolises the faith and hope that remain, even in times of despair.
Why pray to Saint Rita with a novena candle?
The novena prayer to Saint Rita is often used when believers find themselves in desperate situations, where human help seems impossible to obtain. Saint Rita, having herself endured difficult trials throughout her life, is seen as a compassionate saint, close to those who suffer. Lighting a novena candle in her honour is a symbolic way of entrusting her with one's worries and anxieties, hoping for her intercession.
Prayer to Saint Rita is often associated with the following intentions:
Desperate causes: Saint Rita is invoked when situations seem hopeless, whether in health, personal relationships, work or other aspects of daily life.
Healing: people suffering from incurable or serious illnesses pray to Saint Rita to ask for healing or the strength to bear their pain with courage.
Family reconciliation: Saint Rita, having experienced family conflicts, is invoked for reconciliation within families or broken relationships.
Inner peace: in times of emotional or spiritual turmoil, praying to Saint Rita brings serenity and hope that a solution will emerge even in the most complex situations.
How to pray with a Saint Rita novena candle
Praying with a Saint Rita novena candle requires perseverance and faith. Here is a guide to accompany you in this prayer:
a) Preparing your intention
Before lighting the candle, it is important to clarify your prayer intention. Take a moment to think about what you would like to entrust to Saint Rita. Whether it is for a loved one who is going through a difficult time or for a desperate personal situation, it is essential to define this intention clearly in your heart and mind.
b) Lighting the candle and beginning the prayer
Once you have defined your intention, light the Saint Rita novena candle in a safe place, preferably a quiet, peaceful place where you can concentrate without being disturbed. Recite the prayer dedicated to Saint Rita, which can be printed on the candle label or chosen from the many novena prayers available.
Example prayer to Saint Rita:
O glorious Saint Rita, you who have received from the Lord the gift of interceding in the most desperate causes, come to my aid in this hour of distress. I implore you to grant me the grace I seek today, if it is in accordance with divine will.
Help me to bear my cross with patience and trust, following the example of Christ. Obtain for me the strength to overcome the trials that afflict me, and lead me to inner peace. Amen.
c) Pray each day for nine days
Each day, for nine consecutive days, devote a moment to praying to Saint Rita in front of the lit candle. Recite the prayer to Saint Rita, recalling the intention you have entrusted to her. Also take a moment to meditate on her life, on her faith in God despite her trials, and on the miracles attributed to her intercession. The flame of the burning candle symbolises the persistence of your prayer and your faith in divine intervention.
d) Closing the novena
On the ninth day, after reciting the prayer one last time, close the novena with a prayer of thanksgiving. Whatever the outcome of your request, thank Saint Rita for having listened to your prayer and for having interceded on your behalf. The novena prayer is an act of faith and trust in God's will, which often works in mysterious and unexpected ways.
Where to buy a Saint Rita novena candle?
Novena candles dedicated to Saint Rita are widely available in your religious shop the Christian shop as well as many models dedicated to the saints. We offer a wide range of novena candles with printed prayers.
When you buy a novena candle from our shop, you are choosing a quality candle, designed to burn slowly during the nine days of the novena. These candles are usually made of white or red wax, with an image of Saint Rita printed on the front and a dedicated prayer on the label.
The importance of faith in praying to Saint Rita
Lighting a novena candle and praying to Saint Rita is an act of faith and trust. It is a way of persevering in prayer, even when all seems hopeless. Devotion to Saint Rita reminds us that God can work in unexpected ways, even in the most difficult situations. Although the results are not always immediate, persevering in prayer to Saint Rita often leads to inner peace and signs of comfort.
Faith in the intercession of the saints, and particularly Saint Rita, is a way of drawing closer to God through spiritual figures who have themselves experienced the suffering and difficulties of human life. By following her example of perseverance and trust in God, believers can find a model for living in faith, even in the midst of trials.
Conclusion
Saint Rita's novena candle is a powerful symbol of prayer and faith in times of despair. Saint Rita, through her life and the miracles attributed to her intercession, is a source of inspiration for those going through difficult situations. To light a candle in her honour, to pray with perseverance for nine days, and to maintain an unshakeable faith, is to experience the power of prayer and intercession.
