In the heart of Umbria, among the ancient walls of the monastery of Santa Rita da Cascia, a new prayer has risen, full of hope and devotion, dedicated to Pope Leo XIV. The Augustinian nuns, custodians of ritian spirituality, have composed a special invocation for the new pontiff, also belonging to the order of Sant’Agostinounderlining the profound bond that unites the monastic community to the Holy Father.
The prayer of the nuns for Pope Leo XIV
The Mother Badesss, Sister Maria Grazia Cossu, shared the text of the prayer with the Ansa, which reads:
“Maria, mother of grace, keep and protect the Holy Father Leo XIV. Under your mantle it can always find the strength and light of love to bring the peace of the risen Lord to the world. Sant’Agostino, our father, accompanies his path with wisdom and mercy you have taught. Santa Rita, a woman of peace, intercede so that her pontificate is a sign of reconciliation and hope for all humanity.
These words reflect the affection and spiritual proximity of the nuns to the new pope, highlighting the common belonging to the Augustinian order and the shared commitment for peace and reconciliation.
A deep and lasting bond
The relationship between the community of Cascia and Pope Leo XIV has its roots in the past. In 2012, when the future Pontiff held the role of Prior General of the Order of Sant’Agostino, he authorized the birth of the Santa Rita da Cascia Foundation, personally appointing two members of the Board of Directors. This gesture has marked the beginning of a significant collaboration, aimed at transmitting the message of charity and hope of Santa Rita in the world.
A symbolic date
The election of Pope Leo XIV, which took place on May 8, coincides with the feast of the Madonna della Grazia and, this year, with the fourteenth Thursday of Santa Rita. The Mother Badessa stressed that this coincidence can be interpreted as a sign of the protection of the Madonna and Santa Rita on the new pontificate.
The mission of the Santa Rita da Cascia Foundation
The Foundation, born in 2012, aims to support projects in favor of the weakest, promoting the reduction of social inequalities. Among the main initiatives are the hive of Santa Rita, a reception house for minors from disadvantaged families, and the reconstruction of the “St. Virgilius Memorial” hospital in Nigeria, destroyed in 2019 due to a fire.
A message of hope
The nuns of Santa Rita continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV, entrusting his pontificate to the intercession of the “holy of the impossible”. Conclude their message with the hope that, Together with Sant’Agostino and Santa Rita, the Holy Father can awaken in hearts the nostalgia of God, such an ancient and so new beauty “.
