Saint Zita was born into a poor family in Tuscany, Italy, in the 13th century. At a young age, she became a servant in the household of a wealthy family in Lucca, where she worked hard and with great devotion. She was known for her kindness, her piety, and her humility, and soon became a beloved member of the household.
One day, as she was sweeping the kitchen, she had a vision of the Virgin Mary, who told her that she was destined for great things. From that day on, Zita redoubled her efforts to serve her masters with even greater love and dedication. She rose early every morning to attend Mass and pray, and spent the rest of her day cooking, cleaning, and caring for the family.
Despite her hard work, Zita never complained or became bitter. She saw her work as a way of serving God, and considered it a privilege to care for others. She was always quick to offer a kind word, a gentle smile, or a helping hand to anyone in need, and many people in Lucca came to regard her as a saint.
One of the most famous stories about Zita concerns her miraculous ability to stretch a supply of flour. One day, her master asked her to make bread for a large group of guests, but when she went to the pantry, she found that there was only enough flour for one loaf. Zita prayed to God for help, and when she started kneading the dough, it miraculously expanded to fill the entire oven. Everyone who tasted the bread marveled at its flavor and texture, and Zita's reputation for holiness grew even stronger.
Zita continued to serve her masters for many years, until her death at the age of 60. Her fame quickly spread throughout Italy, and many miracles were attributed to her intercession. She was canonized by Pope Innocent XII in 1696, and her feast day is celebrated on April 27.
Prayer to Saint Zita:
Dear Saint Zita, you who lived a life of humble service and great devotion, we ask for your intercession. Help us to see our work as a way of serving God, and to approach it with love, dedication, and humility. Teach us to be kind and generous to those around us, especially those in need. And may the miracles of your life inspire us to grow in faith and holiness. Amen.
