St. Zita of Lucca

**Zita** (c. 1218-1272) was a domestic servant who spent forty-eight years in the household of a wealthy Lucchese family, becoming one of the most beloved saints of medieval Italy. 📜 **Life** Born around 1218 in Monte Sagrati, a village near Lucca, Zita entered service at age twelve in the household of the Fatinelli family, prosperous wool and silk merchants. She would remain in their employ until her death. Zita rose before dawn each day to attend Mass at the nearby Basilica of San Frediano before beginning her duties. Her employers initially viewed her piety with suspicion—fellow servants resented her devotion—but over time, her humility, diligence, and charity transformed the household. She became the family's most trusted servant. Her generosity to the poor became legendary. She gave away her own food to beggars and, when caught carrying bread hidden in her apron to distribute to the hungry, the loaves miraculously transformed into flowers. On another occasion, when she spent too long in prayer and neglected her bread-making duties, angels completed the baking for her. Zita died on April 27, 1272, at approximately fifty-four years of age. At the moment of her death, the bells of San Frediano tolled of their own accord—no hand touching the ropes—announcing her passage to the city. ☩ **Veneration** When her body was exhumed in 1580, it was found incorrupt. Though now naturally mummified, her remains rest in a glass shrine in the Basilica of San Frediano. Pope Innocent XII canonized her in 1696. On her feast day, locals bring daffodils to her shrine and bake special bread in her memory. She is the patron saint of domestic workers, housekeepers, and those who have lost their keys. 🕯️ **Feast Day:** April 27 📍 **Principal Shrine:** Basilica di San Frediano, Piazza San Frediano, Lucca, Italy