PRECIOUS PEARL, THE
The Story of Saint Rita of Cascia

"Peacemaker," "Saint of the Impossible," the "Saint Who Asks Too Much" are just a few of the many adjectives used to describe one of the most popular saints of our times. With the canonization of Saint Rita in 1900, interest in and devotion to the "Precious Pearl of Umbria" spread rapidly not only in her native Italy, but throughout many nations. As a woman who had experienced the various states of life as wife and widow, mother and nun, St. Rita has much to say to women of every time and place. As a victim of violence and a witness to forgiveness, she offers powerful testimony to men and women alike. It is hoped that this little book will bring many to find in St. Rita’s example a model whom they can emulate and an intercessor on whom they can count in their time of need.

About the Author: Father Michael Di Gregorio, OSA entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1965, professed vows the following year, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1973. After 19 years of ministry in various parishes of his Order, he served as the director of social communications for his Order in Rome. Since 1992 he has been rector of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia in Philadelphia. Father has also done advanced studies in spirituality, especially Augustinian Spirituality, has given retreats to religious and lay groups, and has worked with the Augustinian Secular Movement. He has collaborated on several books on Augustinian themes and the saints of his Order.