The Feast of St. Rose of Lima

Born in Lima, Peru in 1586, Rose was the daughter of Gaspar and Olivia and came from a large family. 

When she was still very young, she developed a devotion to St. Catherine of Sienna, fasting three times a day and spending as much time as she could in front of The Eucharist. 

At the age of twelve, Rose entered the Third Order of St. Dominic and, at twenty, she took the habit of a tertiary, often wearing a crown of small thorns. Rose was also a mystic. 

Despite her great devotion, her parents refused to let her enter a convent and wanted her to get married. 

Then, Rose’s mother had a vision of The Blessed Mother, who gave her a rose and said: “This rose represents your daughter, my Son’s cherished flower. I plucked her from your garden for Him, and He will not let her go. See how grateful He is to you?” 

While this provided great insight, Rose never did enter the Convent. 

Her family ran into financial difficulties so Rose worked all day in the garden and then spent most of the night sewing which she had time to do because, out of mortification, she only let herself sleep for two hours a night. 

In spite of the fact that she lived in relative seclusion, many came to know of her great faith and mystical experiences. Rose died at the age of just 31, in 1617. 

For those who are suffering right now, her writings are great consolation and teaching and would be well worth the time spent seeking them out. 

Here is just a small sample, “All men know, that Grace comes after tribulation. Let them know that, without the burden of tribulations, it is impossible to reach the height of Grace. 

Let them know that the Gifts increase as struggles increase. Let them take care not to stray and be deceived. This is the only true stairway to paradise and, without The Cross, they can find no road to climb to heaven.” 

St. Rose of Lima, please pray for us.