Saint Rose of Lima was a lay member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. She was the first ever canonized Saint of the Americas. She was known for her powerful life of prayer, extreme penance, and devotion to the poor. She lived an inspiring life dedicated to God through her many sacrifices.

Her Life

Saint Rose of Lima was born Isabel Flores de Oliva in Lima, Peru. She was also known as Rosa. From a young age, her beauty and grace attracted attention, but she sought only to reflect God’s glory rather than her own. She took the name "Rose" after a vision in which a crown of roses appeared over her head.

Though her family wanted her to marry, Rose felt called to a life of virginity and prayer. Inspired by Saint Catherine of Siena, she made a private vow of chastity at a young age. She wanted to become a nun, but her parents forbade it. She rejected all suitors, even disfiguring her face with pepper and lye to avoid attention.

Eventually her parents gave in and allowed her to follow her heart. Her devotion to Christ was deep and radical. She transformed a small hut in her family’s garden into a place of solitude and prayer, fasting constantly and wearing a crown of thorns hidden beneath her veil. She also spent long hours in Eucharistic adoration and engaged in severe penances, like burning her hands and other extreme measures, offering her sufferings for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of souls. It was said that she only slept 2 hours a night so she could pray more often. Some also believe that Rose received the stigmata.

She joined the Third Order of St. Dominic when she was 20, where she took a vow of perpetual virginity. While her parents wouldn’t let her live in a convent, she continued her solitude life of prayer in her hut.

Despite her life of prayer and penance, she was far from isolated. Rose used her needlework and gardening to help support her family and raise funds for the poor, and she cared for the sick and hungry in her community. Her love for the poor and her complete surrender to God made her a model of holiness in her own lifetime.

At one point Rose was caring for a young girl who had leprosy. While caring for her, the girl was miraculously healed. Another time in her life there were Dutch pirates who were planning to attack the city of Lima. However, they received a vision of Rose holding the Blessed Sacrament and radiating light, which scared them and drove them away.

Her Death

After years of extreme fasting and penance, Rose’s health declined. She died on August 24, 1617 - a date which she predicted herself -  at the age of 31. It is said that at her death, the city of Lima was filled with the fragrance of roses, and roses were seen falling from the sky. Many miracles were attributed to her intercession almost immediately.

Her Legacy

Saint Rose of Lima was canonized in 1671, becoming the first person from the Americas to be declared a Saint. Her example spread rapidly throughout the New World and beyond, inspiring countless people to embrace prayer, humility, and charity. She remains one of the most beloved saints in Latin America and the Philippines.

Her life is a witness to the truth that holiness is not bound by age, place, or circumstance. Through her sacrifice, she proved that the greatest beauty is found in the soul united with God. Churches, schools, and cities throughout the world bear her name, and her image often depicts her wearing a crown of roses, symbolizing both her name and her enduring love for Christ.

Saint Rose of Lima, Pray for us!