Chicago new twin city for home of St. Rita of Cascia
Parishioners of St. Rita of Cascia Parish, 6243 S. Fairfield Ave., welcomed a delegation from Cascia, Italy, for Mass on March 14, 2026, to celebrate Chicago being selected as a twin city for the torch of Forgiveness and Peace. Every year since 1958, the city of Cascia, the birth and resting place of St. Rita of Cascia, chooses a city with a devotion to the saint to visit and share the lighting of the torch. The delegation was also scheduled to celebrate Mass with Cardinal Cupich during its five-day visit, visit Pope Leo's hometown of Dolton, Illinois, visit the National Shrine of St. Frances Cabrini and visit Chicago’s City Council. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Priests and deacons join Augustinian Bishop Dan Turley on the altar. Parishioners of St. Rita of Cascia Parish, 6243 S. Fairfield Ave., welcomed a delegation from Cascia, Italy, for Mass on March 14, 2026, to celebrate Chicago being selected as a twin city for the torch of Forgiveness and Peace. Every year since 1958, the city of Cascia, the birth and resting place of St. Rita of Cascia, chooses a city with a devotion to the saint to visit and share the lighting of the torch. The delegation was also scheduled to celebrate Mass with Cardinal Cupich during its five-day visit, visit Pope Leo's hometown of Dolton, Illinois, visit the National Shrine of St. Frances Cabrini and visit Chicago’s City Council. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Candles with St. Rita's image on them stand near her statue. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners pray during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Turley gestures during the homily. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A man from the Italian delegation carries the torch down the aisle. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Surrounded by the Italian delegation, Augustinian Bishop Daniel Turley blesses the torch after the homily. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Members of the Italian delegation pray during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Turley incenses the statue of St. Rita. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Turley prays during the eucharistic prayer. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Priests join Bishop Turley in praying the Eucharistic Prayer. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon David Andrade gives to communion to a member of the Italian delegation during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Augustinian Father Giustino Casciano, rector of the Basilica of St. Rita in Cascia, Italy, addresses the congregation. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Augustinian Father Giustino Casciano, rector of the Basilica of St. Rita in Cascia, Italy, addresses the congregation. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A woman prays and takes a photo near the statue of St. Rita following Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
