Day 7 ~ St. Rita: Augustinian Nun Rita was now about thirty-five years of age. Her husband and children were dead and inevitable changes would take place in her daily living. Often during the day and in prayer, she wondered whether she should stay on in her home in the little village of Rocca Porena or whether the Lord wanted something else of her. Deep promptings in her heart seemed to be calling her to a life of service, penance, and prayer at the Augustinian convent in nearby Cascia, Perhaps even twenty years later the Lord was still calling her to the cloister. On arriving at the convent next to the Augustinian Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Rita was graciously welcomed by the Mother Superior. Though Rita did not think herself worthy to live there among the other nuns, she asked to enter because she was sure that God was calling her to this very convent. However, the Mother Superior responded, "We only accept young unmarried women into our community. We don't accept widows." Moreover, some of the religious of the community were relatives to the members of the political factions considered responsible for Paolo's death, and so as not to tempt the harmony of the convent, Rita's request for admissions was denied. Twice more Rita would walk back along the river to Cascia and each time be refused entrance again. She implored her three patron saints-John the Baptist, Augustine, and Nicholas of Tolentine-to assist her, and she set about the task of establishing peace between the hostile parties of Cascia. Her success was so great that her entry into the monastery was finally assured. The Life of St. Rita of Cascia .