Saint of the Day: St Zita

St Zita is one of my patrons because I hate cleaning! Seriously, she is the patroness of domestic workers and servants.

From Aleteia

By Br Silas Henderson, SDS

Patron saint of domestic workers and friend of the poor

(ca. 1218-1278)

Her life

+ Zita was born near Lucca, Italy.

+ At the age of twelve she began to work as the servant of a wealthy family. She remained in their service for the rest of her life.

+ Zita was initially disliked by the other servants because of her piety and humility but she late won their respect through her sincerity, warmth, and hard work.

+ Zita was especially loved by the poor in the region and she is especially remembered for her kindness and charity.

+ Saint Zita died on April 27, 1278. She was canonized in 1748 and was declared the patron saint of domestic workers in 1935. Her shrine in Lucca’s Basilica of San Frediano is a popular place of pilgrimage.

+ A legend from the life of Saint Zita relates that one day, when she was supposed to be baking bread for the family, a poor person came to the house asking for food. While Zita was serving the poor person, another servant who disliked Zita’s piety told the family that Zita was neglecting her duties. Going to the kitchen, hoping to surprise Zita when she returned, the servant was surprised to see angels baking the break while Zita was away. This legend gave rise to the tradition of baking special loves of “St. Zita’s Bread” each year on her commemoration.

For prayer and reflection

“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”—Matthew 25:40

Spiritual bonus

On this day, we also remember Saint Assicus of Elphin. An artist who worked in brass and copper, he was converted to the Christian Faith by Saint Patrick. Assicus became the abbot-bishop of Elphin, a monastery and mission center established by Patrick. Saint Assicus died around the year 490.

Prayer

Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour, that as we rejoice in the festival of Blessed Zita, Thy Virgin, so mayest we be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching that we may be enlightened by the fervour of her dedicated holiness.

Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

R. Amen. 

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Virgins)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.