Saint Rose of Lima

Saint Rose of Lima was born in the 1580’s. She was nicknamed Rose and, at confirmation, officially adopted it as her name. 

Much to her own disappointment, she was known to have been a great beauty. St Rose went to great lengths to discourage would-be suitors, even attempting to make herself uglier to them by scrubbing her face with peppers and cutting her hair.  

She was determined to live a Christ-centered life which she felt she could best do without marriage. She continues to be an inspiration and patron for unmarried women and single people. Rose became a lay Dominican which is why she is often depicted in artwork wearing the traditional black and white Dominican habit.   

She was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671.  

Saint Rose of Lima is the patron saint of Latin America, florists, gardeners, and those persecuted or ridiculed for their piety. 

Saint Rose of Lima, pray for us!