St. Rose was born in Lima, Peru, on April 20, 1586. Known for her beauty, Rose was adorned with a crown of roses placed on her head by her mother. But having no desire to be admired, Rose stuck a long pin into the wreath that deeply pierced her head. So intent on her modesty and chastity, Rose used to rub pepper and lye on her face to ruin her beautiful complexion.

Her Contribution To The Church

Rose was a dutiful daughter and always obeyed her parents, with one exception. For years, Rose struggled against her parents’ desire for her to marry and instead pleaded to join a convent. Because her parents would not allow this, Rose became a Third Order (or lay) Dominican. She often meditated in her garden, raising vegetables and making embroidered items to support her family and the poor. She had a great devotion to St. Catherine of Siena and is said to be the founder of social work in Peru. She died in 1617 and was canonized only 54 years later in 1671 by Pope Clement X as the first saint of the Americas.

How She Can Help You

Often our New Year’s resolutions are focused on the physical aspects of our lives. Ask St. Rose to help you become more focused on God and serving others.

Quotable St. Rose

“Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them increase Your love in my heart.”

“Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.”