Feast of Saint Zita

(d. 1271)

St. Zita was born into poverty in Tuscany, Italy.  Her mother taught her to develop a strong prayer life, which, combined with her happy disposition, enabled her to seek God’s will in all her life circumstances.  At the age of twelve she became a servant for a noble Italian family.  The family she served lived near a church, and Zita would rise early to attend daily Mass before beginning her duties.  She saw her work as being in the service of God, which she executed with care and diligence.  Because of her goodness she suffered harsh treatment and even physical abuse at the hands of both her employers and the other servants.  From her patient endurance of such mistreatment, Zita’s humility and virtue became evident to all.  She was eventually respected and promoted to a leadership role of managing the entire household and its servants.

Throughout her life she exemplified hard work, gentleness, and a life of prayer, despite being overworked.  She died at the age of 60 serving the same family, and after her death many miracles occurred through her intercession.  The family contributed to the cause for her canonization.  

St. Zita is an incorruptible, and her relics are kept in the Basilica of St. Frediano where she attended Mass.  She is the patron saint of maids, domestic servants, butlers, waiters, rape victims, lost keys, and people ridiculed for their piety.

St. Zita’s feast day is April 27th.

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A servant girl is not pious if she is not industrious; work – shy piety is sham piety.”

Saint Zita of Lucca

 

There are numerous stories concerning her life in which she sought to alleviate the sufferings of others by giving away her food, clothing the poor, giving away her bed and sleeping on the floor.”

From an account of Saint Zita

 

Saint zita, humble servant, pray for us.

Be not afraid!  And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always.  Holy Family, pray for us.  Amen.