St. Zita

St. Zita was born in 1212 in Monte Sagrati, Tuscany, Italy, to a poor but devout Christian family. At the age of 12, she began working as a servant for the Fatinelli family, wealthy wool merchants in Lucca. Over nearly five decades, she served them with diligence and fidelity, earning their trust and respect. Despite initial resentment from fellow servants due to her piety and work ethic, Zita's kindness and generosity eventually won over her employers and colleagues. She was known for attending Mass daily and for her charitable works, including helping the poor and visiting the sick. Zita's role expanded to managing the household almsgiving and caring for the Fatinelli children. She died peacefully in the Fatinelli house on April 27, 1272, at the age of 60. After her death, a cult grew around her, centered at the Basilica di San Frediano in Lucca. Her body was exhumed in 1580 and found to be incorrupt, further solidifying her saintly reputation. In 1696, Pope Innocent XII formally approved her cult and canonization, following the attribution of over 150 miracles to her intercession. St. Zita's feast day is celebrated on April 27, and she is revered as the patron saint of domestic workers. However, it appears there was a discrepancy in her canonization year, as historical records confirm it occurred in 1696, not 1784.