What was Saint Rita's background?

Answer 1

Here is the life of St. Rita Cascia before she went on to become a nun. From the Index of Patron Saints.

Daughter of Antonio and Amata Lotti, a couple known as the Peacemakers of Jesus; they had Rita late in life. From her early youth, Rita visited the Augustinian nuns at Cascia, Italy, and showed interest in a religious life. However, when she was twelve, her parents betrothed her to Paolo Mancini, an ill-tempered, abusive individual who worked as town watchman, and who was dragged into the political disputes of the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Disappointed but obedient, Rita married him when she was 18, and was the mother of twin sons. She put up with Paolo's abuses for eighteen years before he was ambushed and stabbed to death. Her sons swore vengeance on the killers of their father, but through the prayers and interventions of Rita, they forgave the offenders.

Answer 2

Saint Rita of Cascia, also known as Saint Rita of the Impossible, was born in Italy in the 14th century. She was married at a young age against her wishes and endured a difficult marriage marred by her husband's violence and infidelity. After her husband's death, Rita entered a convent and dedicated her life to prayer, penance, and serving the community. She is known for her piety, kindness, and miracles.