Born on April 20, 1586, in Lima, Saint Rose of Lima holds the distinction of being the first person born in the Western Hemisphere to be canonized by the Church. She was one of ten children born to Gaspar de Flores, a Spaniard, and Maria d’Olivia, who had Inca ancestry. Initially named Isabel after her aunt, she was later christened Rose, a name she later wrestled with, associating it with vanity due to her natural beauty.

Drawing inspiration from St. Catherine of Siena, Rose had a fervent love for God. She led a life of deep penance; wearing a circlet of silver representing the crown of thorns, fasting, self-flagellation, and other severe practices. These acts often brought her into conflict with her family, who found her methods extreme.

Though Rose lived an ascetic life, she remained aware of the social injustices around her. She often voiced her opposition against the exploitative practices of Spanish rulers in Peru. Aware of the suffering of the Peruvian natives, she cared for the sick and needy, bringing them into her home.

Rose’s spiritual experiences, including visions and revelations, often subjected her to scrutiny. After years of trials and an examination by religious authorities, her experiences were deemed supernatural. She spent her last years in the home of Don Gonzalo de Massa and passed away at the age of 31 on August 25, 1617.

The depth of Saint Rose’s influence became truly evident after her death, with masses mourning her passing. Today, her remains lie in the church of San Domingo in Lima. Recognized for her piety and service, Rose of Lima was canonized by Pope Clement in 1671 and is venerated as the patroness of South America and the Philippines.

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19 COMMENTS

  1. I have to say that for the last couple of hours i have been hooked by the impressive posts on this website. Keep up the wonderful work.

  2. Am so captivated by st.Rose..pls why is her saints day 2day,since she died on august 25 and august 30 being her feast day as written?thanks

  3. it’s the first time i read her story. just now, i know she’s the patroness of the philippines… St. Rose of Lima please pray for the Philippines. with its flood and pork barrel scam the Philippines is a mess.

  4. St Rose of Lima I apologisee for not taking your feast seriousli thought it was just the first peoples feast, here too we celebrate your feast on 30th August. We attend Mass every Sunday at the church named after you/

    St Rose of Lima intercede for us – Thank you Amen

  5. Comment:St.Rose of Lima pray for me to get love God the you did and to get the kind of holy marriage I am praying for ,but most of all to get a man who loves and respects me

  6. St. Rose, we will be celebrating your feast day on Saturday with a bilingual mass and celebration dance. Please pray for the growth of our parish, St. Rose of Lima in Carlisle, AR.

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