Saint Who?
Saints Whose Bodies Resisted Corruption
Saint Zita
Laywoman († 1278)Feast: April 27
Zita (also known as Sitha) was born in the early 13th century in Italy. At twelve, she became a servant in the home of the wealthy Fatinelli family. Here she found time, by rising very early, to cultivate a robust prayer life, including daily Mass. She was industrious and careful, seeing her work as an opportunity for penance and virtue. “Work-shy piety,” she remarked, “is sham piety.”
At first, Zita’s employers did not appreciate her, perhaps on account of the envious tongues of fellow servants. She was mocked and abused, but her patient goodness at last won the respect and confidence of the household. Her employers made her chief housekeeper and gave her the care of their own children. Thus promoted, she was merciful to those who had mistreated her.
Zita remained devoted to daily Mass. When her town lay under an interdict—meaning no Mass was allowed to be celebrated there—she braved the considerable dangers of travel so she could continue to receive Communion. She died around the age of sixty and was quickly hailed as a saint. Devotion to her was approved in the 1500s, and in 1580 her body was found to be incorrupt. It still lies, though now mummified, in the basilica of Saint Frediano in Lucca. She is the patron of domestic workers.
Almighty Father, may we, like Saint Zita,
be strengthened by the Eucharist to turn our daily drudgery into life-giving service.
