Saint Who?
Saints of the Ordinary
Saint Zita of Lucca
Laywoman († 1278)Feast: April 27
Zita came from a poor but devout family in Italy. One of her uncles was a hermit, and her sister became a nun.
At the age of twelve, Zita was sent to work as a servant in the household of a rich man. The other servants noticed that Zita rose early to pray, attended daily Mass, and shared her food with beggars. Instead of being inspired by her example, they were annoyed. They mocked her piety and made false accusations about her to their employer. A male servant even made advances on her, and she left long scratches on his face. She otherwise never retaliated against those who mistreated her but simply continued to live a virtuous life. As time passed, both her employer and the other servants began to perceive her sanctity.
Eventually, Zita was placed in charge of the entire household. She patiently directed all the servants and was greatly respected by her employer, even though he did not always appreciate her unfailing generosity with the poor. Did God sometimes miraculously replenish food for the household because of that generosity? Did Zita really give away an expensive coat to a shivering beggar, only to have the beggar—perhaps Christ himself—return it later? Witnesses said yes. Zita died at the age of sixty, having served the same family for forty-eight years.
Merciful Father, help us to forgive those
who are offended by our attempts
to live virtuous lives.
