St. Zita
Feast day: April 27
St. Zita was a humble Italian housekeeper, born in 1212, whose capability to preserve her equanimity under attack is an example to us all. Born in Montsegradi, a village near Lucca, Italy, she was raised in a devout Catholic family and was particularly inspired by her poor but virtuous mother. From an early age, St. Zita wanted to know and love God above all else and do his will. She was known for her modesty, devotion to prayer and her naturally happy disposition.
At 12 years of age, St. Zita had to go work for the Fatinelli family in Lucca. She worked hard as she did her job for the Lord. Even in difficulties, she never complained and remained loyal to her employer. She attended daily Mass before work and rose early to pray. She also silently remained in dialogue with God by praying while she worked. St. Zita was always aware of the divine presence that God was with her.
Nevertheless, St. Zita was judged harshly by those around her, including her fellow servants and even her employers. She became the object of suspicion, gossip and rumor. Yet under criticism and while she was reviled, she chose to remain calm and never forget that she knew the truth about herself. She kept the same meek and kind countenance she always had without reacting to unkindness.
Eventually, her virtuous character overcame the jealousy of others, so much so that she was put in charge of all the affairs of the household and made the governess of her employers’ children. And yet, St. Zita did not become proud in humility but rather was always aware that she was to be thankful to God for what she had and to make good use of her time in building the Lord’s kingdom. She had few belongings, and what she didn’t need, she gave to the poor. St. Zita was also known to be guarded in her speech about others and tried never to speak ill about someone else. She forgave those who had wronged her and treated them well.
Many miracles have been attributed to St. Zita even during her lifetime. She seemed to be protected and assisted by angels as noted by the following examples: Food she had collected for the poor was multiplied in a storehouse, loaves of bread appeared in the kitchen while she was away enraptured in prayer, and a fur coat — lost on loan to a beggar — was delivered to the household’s door. By the end of her life, St. Zita was able to withdraw from chores and assist the poor, the sick and those in prison.
St. Zita died in 1272 at 60 years of age after serving the Fatinelli family for 48 years. In 1580, St. Zita’s body was found to be incorrupt, and it is enshrined today in St. Frediano’s Church in Lucca, next to the Fatinelli house where she worked. She was canonized in 1696.
The University of Nottingham, in England, has a single paper leaf which is the only surviving evidence of a medieval English vernacular translation of the life of St. Zita. The page has been dated to the middle or third quarter of the 15th century, when veneration of St. Zita was introduced into England. She was venerated by housewives and servants.
Reflection
Dear Jesus, help me to remain close to you so that I can be your means of love, peace and joy to all whom I meet. Give me the courage to truly forgive and forget.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for giving us your servant, St. Zita, as an example of virtue. Help us to imitate the holiness she showed in offering her hard work to you throughout her many years as a domestic servant.
