St. Zita
St. Zita was born into a poor, but devout, Catholic family. Her older sister became a nun, and her unlce was a hermit that many local people regarded as a saint.
At the age of twleve, Zita entered domestic service in the house of a well-to-do weaver in Lucca, Italy, eight miles from her native village of Monte Sagrati. As things turned out, she remained with that family for the last 48 years of her life. She found time every day to attend Mass and recite her plentiful prayers, as well as to carry out her household duties so punctiliously that she earned the resentment of the other servants.
At first, her employers were upset by her lavish gifts of food to the poor, but in time they were completly won over by her patience and goodness, and she became a confidential family friend.
St. Zita was given free reign over her working schedule and busied herself with visits to the sick and those in prison.
Word spread rapidly in Lucca of her good deeds and the supernatural manifestations that appeared top her. She was sought out by the prominent and at her death in 1278 the people acclaimed her as a saint.
LORD God, You showered heavenly gifts on St. Zita the Virgin. Help us to imitate her virtues during our earthly life and enjoy eternal happiness with her in heaven.
Amen.
