As many of you know, I have recently developed a deep devotion to St. Rita, the patron saint of impossible situations. I prayed for her intercession during my sister’s battle with cancer, asking her to plead with God to spare my sister from suffering and death. Unfortunately, it was not part of God’s plan for our prayers to be answered in that way, as my sister passed away last week after enduring so much pain and suffering. However, my sister’s death did not fill me with resentment toward God, nor did it lead me to doubt the intercession of the saints. I truly believe that God answers our prayers through the intercession of saints in different ways.
For instance, I trust that St. Rita’s intercession helped us convince my ailing sister to accept a caregiver, despite the financial implications. We were also able to make the right decision to bring her to our family home for her remaining days in hospice, with her agreement. She found these two significant transitions in her life challenging, but thanks to St. Rita’s intercession, we received the guidance we needed from God, which eased our family through these difficult situations.
As I reflect on my spiritual connection with St. Rita, I remember the chapel in my childhood village in the Philippines, which was named after her. It was there that I received my First Communion, attended Masses and Simbang Gabi, went to Confession, and nurtured my calling to become a priest. St. Rita seems to have followed me throughout my life, even into my adult years.
In reading about St. Rita’s life, I am struck by her profound love for her two sons, her desire to keep them rooted in the Catholic faith, and her refusal to let them seek vengeance for their father’s death. She must have prayed earnestly for their salvation from mortal sin. Having endured an abusive and unfaithful husband, she prayed for his conversion and ultimately succeeded. She demonstrated perseverance, tenacity, courage, and a strong faith.
I see many similarities between St. Rita and my sister, Rina. They both embodied the same attributes: fierce and fearless in faith, unyielding in the face of despair. Like the generous friend in this Sunday’s Gospel, both St. Rita and Rina, who I consider a saint in her own right, possessed golden hearts, never ignoring the needs of others, always compassionate and caring.
As we reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel alongside the lives of St. Rita and my sister Rina, I invite you to examine your own faith journey. How strong is your faith in God, despite His seeming silence at times? How persistent are you in your prayers and belief in the saints’ intercession? How sensitive and generous are you to the needs of others?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your prayers and support for my sister during her illness and passing. I have never shied away from sharing my struggles with you regarding Rina’s situation; I have been vulnerable with you. Yet, therein lies our strength: ironically, it is through our vulnerability that we become stronger.
Let us remain steadfast in our faith and confidence in God, especially during difficult times and impossible situations. We can learn from those who have demonstrated heroic virtues of faith and unconditional love for their loved ones and friends. Let’s hold fast to the words of Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel: “Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” God responds to our needs, helps us find our way, and opens the doors of possibility—not on our terms, but on His.
May God’s grace and speed be with you all!
Your loving pastor,
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.