National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia Adds Relics of 40 Saints to Saints’ Grotto

The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia in South Philadelphia has recently undergone a significant renovation, adding the relics of 40 saints to a room in its lower shrine known as the “Saints’ Grotto.” This marks the first phase of a three-phase renovation project, with plans to add an additional 100 relics and perpetual memorial candles within the next year.

Since 1907, the Shrine has been a place where faithful Catholics come to pray for the intercession of Saint Rita of Cascia, known for her reputation as a peacemaker and reconciler, as well as being the patron saint of impossible cases. Over the years, the grotto has become a source of consolation for many visitors seeking solace and spiritual connection.

The decision to add the relics came after the recent passing of Fr. Richard Cannuli, O.S.A., a prolific artist and dear friend of the Shrine. The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova worked with the Shrine to document and display relics from Fr. Cannuli’s personal collection, with the belief that the Shrine was the best place for public devotion.

The renovation project was led by Fr. Robert Guessetto, O.S.A., and local woodworker Samuel Bruno, who designed and built new display cases for the reliquaries. The current display includes relics of popular Augustinian saints, as well as other well-known figures such as Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, and Saint John Paul II.

The second phase of the project will involve the addition of twelve smaller displays with 100 more relics organized by month according to feast days. The staff of the Shrine hopes that these displays will inspire pilgrims to engage with the lives of the saints with joy and hope.

The Shrine has already seen an increase in student trips, faculty retreats, and parish groups since the addition of the relics, and they invite all visitors to come and experience the spiritual richness of the Saints’ Grotto. To learn more about the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia and support its mission, visit www.SaintRitaShrine.org.