Zita was born in the early thirteenth century in the village of Montsegradi in Tuscany; she died on April 12, 1271. Zita was born into a poor family, but one in which the Christian faith was emphasized. One of her uncles was a hermit, a sister became a nun, and the entire family was faithful in worship together, both at church and in their home.

At the age of twelve, she entered the service of the Fatinelli family in Lucca. Although little more than a child, she maintained the serious faith that she had been taught by her family. Scrupulous in the exercise of her domestic duties, she embodied Paul’s advice in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters.” Her earnest diligence, however, was first met with scorn from both her employers and her fellow servants. Nevertheless, she continued faithfully in her work and exhibited a peace that surpassed comprehension. Through her perseverance in doing good, she eventually earned the respect and affection of the whole household.

In due course, the once despised servant became the housekeeper. As head of the household staff, Zita demonstrated such Christlike benevolence that she came to be venerated throughout Lucca even before her death. Mindful of the poverty in which she had been raised, she gave away most of her income to those in need.

After her death, the popularity of her cult spread as far as England, where she is called Sitha; images of her may be found in churches throughout southern England. In popular piety, she is often entreated in order to find lost keys.

Excerpted directly from “Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2022,” p. 208-209.

Lessons and Psalm

Exodus 1:15-21
Psalm 16
Mark 12:41-44

Preface of a Saint (1)