ZITA OF TUSCANY, Worker of Charity, 1271

Merciful God, who has given to us all things necessary for life and godliness; Grant that we, like your servant Zita, may be faithful in the exercise of our duties and that, whatever you give us to do, we may do it heartily to you for the honor and glory of your Name; through him who has called us to virtue, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen Amen.

Zita was born in the early 13th century in the village of Montsegradi in Tuscany; she died on April 12th in 1271. Zita was born into a poor family, but one in the 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 12 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 come 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.