Saint Rose of Lima

Rose was born in the city of Lima, in the Viceroyalty of Peru, on April 20, 1586. Her baptismal name was Isabel Flores de Olivia. The “Rose” nickname originated when a servant believed to have seen her face transform into a rose. Saint Rose of Lima was a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. She was the first person born in the Americas to be canonized by the Catholic Church.

At a very young age, Rose began fasting up to three times a week, eventually leading to her abstaining from eating meat. As she grew up, she found herself helping her community as often as she could, notably the sick and hungry.

Rose had her sights set on becoming a nun. Unfortunately she was met with resistance from her father who forbade it. That is when Rose decided to join the Third Order of Saint Dominic. It was during this time that her devotion to helping others took on greater significance. Rose dedicated as much time as possible to prayer by only sleeping two hours a night. Rose spent 11 years living a life dedicated to prayer and helping others.

On August 24, 1617, Rose died at the age of 31. A funeral was held for her in a cathedral and was attended by many public authorities in Lima.

Pope Clement X canonized St. Rose of Lima on April 12, 1671. Her canonized status made her the first Catholic saint to be born in the Americas. St. Rose of Lima has a feast day that is celebrated on August 23rd. There was already a feast for Saint Bartholomew the Apostle on August 24th, the date of her death. August 23rd was chosen as her feast day because it was the closest date that wouldn’t overlap with another saint.