6 Gulf Pine Catholic • May 22, 2026 The little town of Cascia, Italy, in the mountainous region of Umbria, is a pilgrimage destination for those wishing to visit the relics of St. Rita of Cascia. Today, St. Rita’s incorrupt remains are housed in the Basilica that bears her name and which was built in the early 20th century. But the town of Cascia has been a destination for pilgrims ever since her death on May 2, 1457, and we now celebrate her feast day on May 22. Pilgrims continue to visit Cascia to pray for St. Rita’s intercession just as they have for hundreds of years. Carved into the holy door and façade of the basilica are scenes from her life. Many turn to her in difficult circumstances because she is a patron of impossible causes. St. Rita wanted to become a nun from a young age but was given in marriage to a violent man embroiled in feuding that consumed Cascia. She worked tirelessly to convert her husband -- and there are reports that she succeeded to a degree. But he eventually died a violent death at the hands of his enemies. Rita’s sons took up their father’s feud but later died of illness before they could exact revenge. Having publicly forgiven her husband’s killers, Rita was happy to see her sons follow in her footsteps on their deathbeds by renouncing their feud and offering forgiveness. She mourned the loss of her sons but hoped to meet them again in heaven, confident in the state of their souls as they passed. At the age of 36, Rita decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a nun. But the Augustinian convent in Cascia she sought to enter was wary of her association with the feuding families of the town, so the nuns made a stipulation: “Bring peace to Cascia and you may enter the convent.” What Rita accomplished next earned her the title “Peacemaker of Cascia.” To many, it seemed almost miraculous that she was able to intercede with factions at the center of the conflict to bring peace to the town and earn acceptance into the convent. Some also considered it a near miracle that Abbess Maria Teresa Fasce, head of the Augustinian convent in Cascia from 1920 to 1947, succeeded in having a basilica built to honor the enduring impact of St. Rita’s life. But those who have shared a devotion to St. Rita throughout the centuries have always understood the importance of her example and her worthiness of such an honor. When St. Rita passed away in 1457, a local carpenter who had been partially paralyzed lamented the simple preparations for burial being made for her. “If only I were well,” he said, “I would have prepared a place more worthy of you.” The moment he spoke those words, the carpenter was healed, and he crafted a beautiful coffin for her. Today, the Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia displays her incorrupt body behind glass, where pilgrims can glimpse the miraculous and meditate upon the hope of being restored and reunited in peace with those we love. The life story of St. Rita of Cascia demonstrates the immense influence we have on the world when we devote ourselves to cultivating peace. St. Rita made such a profound mark that she continues to inspire devotion. May she intercede on behalf of all those who turn to her, especially those in trying circumstances seeking help from God with the most impossible causes. Fr. Ed Dougherty, M.M., serves on The Christophers’ Board of Directors. For a free copy of the Christopher News Note, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, write: The Christophers, 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004; or e-mail: mail@christophers.org. The saint who settled a violent conflict Light One Candle Fr. Dougherty Young men are struggling to find purpose and vocation BY VICENTE DEL REAL OSV News Across the United States, a quiet yet present crisis is unfolding among young men. Researchers increasingly describe a phenomenon known as the “delayed launch” of adulthood. Many young men are taking longer to enter stable work, form families and establish a clear sense of direction in life. The issue is not limited to economics. It is deeply connected to questions of self-search, vocation and what may be understood as a crisis of purpose. In previous generations, the transition into adulthood was often marked by clear expectations. Young men were expected to work, provide, make sacrifices, contribute to their communities and eventually form families of their own. These were responsibilities not always accomplished with ease, but they provided a framework for growth and maturity. Today, that framework has changed. According to labor data, male participation in the workforce has steadily declined over the past several decades. In 1970, roughly 80% of American men participated in the labor force. By recent estimates, that number has dropped closer to 69%. Among younger men, especially those without college degrees, the decline has been even more pronounced. However, this crisis is not simply about employment; it is a deeper crisis of social participation. A crisis was also brought to our attention in 2023 by the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who issued a warning describing the rise of “an epidemic of loneliness and isolation.” More recently, attention has increasingly turned toward men, with some researchers and commentators identifying what has been termed a “male loneliness epidemic.” Importantly, this form of loneliness extends beyond romantic relationships and reflects broader social disconnection. To this point, traditional milestones of adulthood like marriage, stable employment and civic participation are happening later or not at all for many. This article will highlight, from personal experience working with young men, one noticeable factor in this reality. -- A world of virtual victories -- One of the most visible cultural shifts affecting young men is the rise of immersive digital entertainment. Video games now occupy a significant portion of leisure time for many young men. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that young men dramatically increased the amount of time spent playing video games over the past two decades, often replacing hours that previous generations might have spent working or developing other ideas, responsibilities and abilities. Yet the appeal of video games is not difficult to understand. They offer something the real world increasingly struggles to provide: clear goals, meaningful challenges and visible progress -- all within a framework of very few consequences for failure and highly competitive, entertaining environments. SEE YOUNG MEN STRUGGLES, PAGE 11 A young man prays during Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco May 19, 2024. The Mass was celebrated for the western route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, during which pilgrims from across the United States traveled with the Eucharist for eight weeks on their way to the National Eucharistic Congress, July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis. OSV News photo/Bob Roller
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