Antique Saint Rita of Cascia Prayer Card

Overview

Framed antique Italian Catholic prayer card depicting Saint Rita of Cascia, one of the most venerated saints associated with suffering, impossible causes, endurance, and divine intercession. The card is considered a third class relic devotional object as it was touched to the urn containing the body of Saint Rita in Cascia. Saint Rita can be identified by the wound on her forehead, said to have appeared after meditating on Christ’s suffering and the crown of thorns.

Acquired / Origin

Origin: Italy

Acquired in Rome, Italy — May 2026.

Likely dating from the 1940s to 1960s. Produced by Alterocca of Terni, a well known Italian religious printing house active during the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Description

The front of the card depicts Saint Rita kneeling before a crucifix while receiving divine light from Christ. Saint Rita is most famous for a mystical wound said to have appeared on her forehead after meditating on Christ’s crucifixion. According to tradition, the wound manifested from a thorn of Christ’s crown and remained with her until death, becoming one of her primary identifying symbols.

The reverse contains an Italian prayer asking Saint Rita for relief during suffering, emotional anguish, hardship, and seemingly impossible situations. The prayer appeals to her as a compassionate intercessor for those experiencing despair, grief, or prolonged suffering.

The card also states that the image was touched to the urn containing the body of Saint Rita in Cascia, giving it the status of a third class relic devotional object within Catholic tradition.

Cards like this were commonly carried in prayer books, wallets, bedside altars, or held during private prayer and devotional meditation.

The prayer card is mounted within a black 4x6in deep display frame with 1.5in depth.

Specs

Original Card Size: Approx. 4 x 2.75 inches
Frame Size: 4 x 6 inches
Frame Depth: Approx. 1.5 inches