St. Rita of Cascia

"Ecstasy of Blessed Rita da Cascia" (1674) by Giacinto Brandi

May 22nd is the Feast day of St. Rita of Cascia. In Rome, in the Basilica di Sant'Agostino (Basilica of Saint Augustine), there is a Chapel dedicated to her memory. "Ecstasy of Blessed Rita da Cascia" (1674) by Giacinto Brandi is on the altar of the Chapel. St. Rita was born in 1381 into a family with strong Christian values. After her husband was murdered, she prayed constantly that her two sons wouldn’t seek revenge. She eventually became an Augustinian nun at the convent of Cascia. 15 years before her death, Rita asked Jesus to share in His suffering, and she received a thorn from His crown on her forehead. She passed away in 1447 after a life full of sanctity. You can see the thorn in the forehead of the statue to the left of the altar.

You learn more about the Basilica and the Caravaggio that is housed there -> here.