From a young age, Saint Rose of Lima displayed a profound devotion to God.
To an outsider, her faith may seem intimidating, but her love for Jesus continues to influence Catholics around the world today.
Her example of self-denial, intense devotion, and service to others inspires countless individuals to pursue a life of deeper faith and compassion.
Saint Rose of Lima is the patron saint of florists, Latin America, embroiderers, seamstresses, family disputes, and those ridiculed for their faith!
"Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to Heaven." - Saint Rose of Lima
Here are seven things to know and share about Saint Rose of Lima:
1. Saint Rose of Lima was born Isabel Flores de Oliva in 1586 in Lima, Peru. She took the name Rose at her confirmation.
2. She spent time tending to her family garden during the day and sewing during the evenings to financially support her family.
3. After reading about Saint Catherine of Siena, Rose became determined to model the saint in her spiritual life.
4. She was known for her physical beauty. To deter potential suitors, she rubbed her face with pepper. Despite her family’s wishes, Rose took a vow of virginity and gave her life to Jesus.
5. She became a Third Order Dominican and was often ridiculed for her piety.
6. She cloistered herself in a cell within her family garden and carried out intense acts of penance. She wore a crown of thorns on her head and often deprived herself of food and sleep.
7. During the last years of her life, she cared for the sick, the elderly, and the homeless children of Peru.
Prayer for the intercession of Saint Rose of Lima:
Admirable Saint Rose, you were truly a sweet flower
blooming on rugged soil;
you were indeed a rose among thorns,
bearing with meekness and patience
the stings of envious tongues,
and preserving perfect purity and modesty
amid the alluring blandishments of a deceitful world.
To the sufferings inflicted on you by others,
you added the voluntary tortures
of fasting and watching, of the discipline,
of the crown of thorns and of the hair shirt,
to subdue the flesh and to make yourself
like to your heavenly Spouse.
By the merits which you have thus gained
with your divine Bridegroom,
obtain for me the grace to bear my afflictions with patience,
to remain pure and modest,
to be meek and humble,
to be faithful to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit,
and so to mortify my passions,
that I may be ever more pleasing and acceptable
in the sight of my dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Who liveth and reigneth world without end.
Amen.