Rose of Lima
Born: 1586 in Lima, Peru
Died: August 24, 1617
Canonized: April 12, 1671
Feast Day: August 23
Patron Saint of: Americas, florists, Indies, Peru, Phillipines
Born of Spanish parents, this future saint was named Isabel, but because of her beauty and naturally rosy cheeks, was nicknamed Rose. She led a very holy early childhood, undertaking on her own initiative, many penances. Her parents did not approve of her wishes to live in a cloistered society. Her only means of escape and refuge was a private garden at home. By the time she was 20 years old, she joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic and increased the already extreme penances. When her family fell upon financial troubles, Rose, among other things, sold flowers to help. As she grew, she also dedicated a room in her home to care for the very young and very elderly - a room that to this day still exists and is used for the same purpose in her honor. Saint Rose was the first canonized saint of the New World.
