Saint of the Day: St. Rose of Lima | August 23
By SIDTP SoCom
Published on August 23, 2024
St. Rose of Lima, born Isabel Flores de Oliva on April 20, 1586, in Lima, Peru, is one of the most revered saints in the Catholic Church, particularly in Latin America. She is known for her deep spirituality, commitment to the poor, and remarkable dedication to her faith.
Isabel Flores de Oliva grew up in a devoted Catholic family in Lima. From a young age, she felt a strong call to religious life and dedicated herself to prayer and helping others. Despite her family’s initial resistance, she eventually became known as Rose, a name she adopted to honor her love for the mystical life and her desire to live a life of deep devotion.
St. Rose’s life was marked by her extraordinary acts of penance and charity. She lived in a small, humble home and spent much of her time in prayer, fasting, and serving the poor. Rose had a deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, which guided her daily life. She was known for her severe self-discipline, including long periods of fasting and wearing a crown of thorns as a symbol of her dedication to Christ.
One of Rose’s most notable contributions was her work with the poor and marginalized in Lima. She took on the responsibility of caring for the needy, providing them with food, clothing, and medical care. Her selfless acts earned her great respect and admiration from her community. Despite her own suffering and hardships, she always put others first, reflecting her deep love for Christ and humanity.
St. Rose’s mystical experiences and intense spirituality were recognized by her contemporaries, and she was known for her profound connection with God. She became a member of the Third Order of St. Dominic, a lay branch of the Dominican Order, which allowed her to live a life of prayer and service while remaining in the world.
She died on August 24, 1617, at the age of 31. Her death was deeply mourned by the people of Lima, who saw her as a living example of holiness and compassion. She was beatified by Pope Clement IX in 1667 and canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671. Her feast day is celebrated on August 23.
St. Rose of Lima is remembered for her dedication to prayer, her service to the poor, and her intense love for Christ. Her life serves as a powerful example of how to live out one’s faith with compassion and commitment. By reflecting on her life and teachings, we are encouraged to deepen our own spiritual lives and serve those in need, just as she did.
Sources:
1. “St. Rose of Lima” entry from the Catholic Encyclopedia:
– The Catholic Encyclopedia. (n.d.). St. Rose of Lima. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 20, 2024, from [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13168a.htm](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13168a.htm).
2. “St. Rose of Lima: The Life of a Saint” by Mary Kathleen McDevitt:
– McDevitt, M. K. (2003). St. Rose of Lima: The Life of a Saint. [Publisher information if available].
3. Official Vatican resources:
– Vatican. (n.d.). St. Rose of Lima. Retrieved from [https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/saints/saint-rose-of-lima.html](https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/saints/saint-rose-of-lima.html)
