Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1457 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
ii
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This image is the most popular picture of the Augustinian nun St Rita of Cascia (+ 1457) during one of her nightly meditations on the Passion of Christ, when a thorn from Christ's crown lodged itself in her forehead, causing a wound that never healed. The scourge in the saint's right hand refers to a statement in her 'Vita' that she would scourge herself three times a day. The roses at the bottom of the image refer to the miracle by which roses grew for her in January. St Rita is the patron saint of Impossibilities. The image speaks of St Rita as being consolation for the sick, an example for all nuns, a mirror for married couples, beauty for children and a model for young women. This image is a memento commemorating the fiftieth anniversary from the canonisation of the Saint. Celebrations were held at the Church of St Mark run by the Augustinians in Rabat. This image is also found in this church.