Rose of Lima

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Sta Rosa de Lima por Claudio Coello

Rose of Lima (April 20, 1586 – August 24, 1617) was a Peruvian lay member of the Dominican Order who became the first person born in the Americas to be canonized by the Catholic Church. She is the patron saint of Peru and all of South America, as well as the indigenous people of Latin America and the Philippines.

Early Life

Rose of Lima was born as Isabel Flores de Oliva in Lima, the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Her father, Gaspar Flores, was a Spanish harquebusier, and her mother, María de Oliva y Herrera, was of mixed Spanish and indigenous descent. From an early age, Rose was noted for her piety and devotion to God.

Religious Life

Rose took a vow of virginity at a young age, despite her parents' wishes for her to marry. She modeled her life after Saint Catherine of Siena, another Dominican tertiary. Rose often wore a heavy silver crown with small spikes on the inside, emulating the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus Christ.

She spent many hours in prayer and fasting, and she performed severe penances. Rose also cared for the sick and hungry in her community, often bringing them to her family home to care for them.

Canonization

Rose of Lima died on August 24, 1617, at the age of 31. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of people, and many miracles were attributed to her intercession. She was beatified by Pope Clement IX on April 15, 1667, and canonized by Pope Clement X on April 12, 1671. Her feast day is celebrated on August 23 in most places, but in Peru and some other Latin American countries, it is celebrated on August 30.

Legacy

Rose of Lima is remembered for her deep faith, her commitment to the poor, and her life of penance and prayer. She is the patroness of embroiderers, gardeners, florists, and people who suffer ridicule for their piety. Her image is often depicted with a crown of roses.

See Also

• Saint Catherine of Siena
• Dominican Order
• Lima
• Viceroyalty of Peru
• Canonization