Even as a child, St. Rose of Lima (1586 AD - 1617 AD) was extraordinarily devout, adopting many penances and mortifications in imitation of her model, St. Catherine of Siena. Like St. Catherine, while still a young girl Rose made a vow of virginity. This was contrary to the wishes of her parents, who for ten years sought to overcome St. Rose's determination not to marry. Finally, St. Rose's parents relented, and at 20, she became a third order Dominican, whereupon she increased the severity of her penances and mortifications, offering these in expiation for sins and for the souls in Purgatory. As perhaps her most famous mortification, St. Rose wore a spiked metal crown, which she concealed with roses. St. Rose retired to a sort of hermitage she'd built in her parents' garden, sleeping upon a bed of broken glass and thorns. Many miracles followed her death, and she was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671, becoming the first New World saint.
I recall a priest noting in a homily that St. Rose was to be admired more than imitated. While this may be true with respect to her great mortifications, we would do well to imitate St. Rose of Lima's great love for Christ, which was the sole motive for those great penances.
I recall a priest noting in a homily that St. Rose was to be admired more than imitated. While this may be true with respect to her great mortifications, we would do well to imitate St. Rose of Lima's great love for Christ, which was the sole motive for those great penances.
St. Rose of Lima, Patroness of America, pray for us.
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