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About Saint Rose of Lima

Feast of Saint Rose of Lima
August 23rd

Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617), Patroness of the Americas, is the first canonized saint of the New World.  Born on Peruvian soil, Saint Rose was Spanish, but it is almost certain that her maternal great-grandmother was Incan.  She was the tenth of thirteen children, and her mother experienced no pain at her birth.  Though exquisitely beautiful (hence her nickname, Rose), she refused to marry, and while helping support her family by needlework and growing flowers, she practiced heroic charity and lived as a Dominican Tertiary in her parents’ home.  Rose tenderly cared for the sick, even those with repulsive wounds, and she often obtained miraculous cures for people from the Child Jesus.

On other occasions, she worked miracles in order to feed the members of her family, and became known as “Mother of the Poor.”  Rose continually prayed and offered her sufferings for the conversion of the idolatrous Incas.  In the year 1615, through her prayers, the Blessed Sacrament and the people of Lima were spared attack by savage pirates.

Saint Rose was a friend and confidant of Saint Martin de Porres, who lived in the same city.  She was confirmed by Saint Toribio Mogrovejo, Archbishop of Lima.  Her mystical experiences caused an ecclesiastical inquiry. Though dead at only 31, Saint Rose’s love of God was so intense that she was recognized as a saint in her own time and was canonized by the Church just 54 years later, in 1671 by Pope Clement X.

Her life is a spotless mirror in which we see ourselves, whatever our color, our station, our land and our age, whatever our chosen vocation.  Like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Rose took our Lord by the heart.  In taking him, she took his church.  Her life is our boast, our crown, our defense, and a challenge to love completely. [From SAINT ROSE OF LIMA by Sister Mary Alphonsus, O.SS.R.]

  Saint Rose is the only American saint whose words appear in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  One quote: “When we serve the poor and the sick we serve Jesus.  We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus.” [CCC, #2449]

The statue of Saint Rose is in the niche on the north wall which is closest to the Blessed Mother’s altar.  The window behind the statue incorporates a cross and a rose—symbols associated with Saint Rose.   Stained glass windows, two on the north wall and one on the south wall, show scenes from her life (baptism, first communion, and religious life).  Above the tabernacle is another image of Saint Rose.  On both sides of this image, the white roses represent the rose given to her by the Child Jesus and the lilies represent purity.

  Saint Rose, through prayer and love you developed your true beauty. Help fill my life with the love and beauty that comes from God.