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Saint Rose of Lima
Saint Rose of Lima, the patroness of this church, and the patroness of South America was born in 1586 in Lima, Peru to upper class Spanish colonist parents. They gave her the baptismal name of Isabel. However, due to her extraordinary beauty, her parents changed her name to Rose. Her parents had high hopes for a future marriage that would alleviate the family’s precarious fortune. Rose had one goal-to dedicate her life to God. Her beauty tended to inhibit this most noble goal. Consequently, Rose would rub her face with lime and pepper resulting in disfigurement.
A major family financial setback caused Rose to provide support for her family through needlework and gardening. Yet Rose’s goal remained constant: To live for God alone. Saint Catherine of Sienna became her role model. Like Saint Catherine, Rose eventually denied her privileged status and entered the Third Order of Saint Dominic.
Much of Rose’s life was spent living as a recluse. Her dwelling was a small hut in her family’s garden. She prayed constantly. Rose had strong feelings regarding the social ills of her time and the dangers of personal sin. She was known to wear a silver circlet studded with sharp barbs. Those who observed her would note how she glowed with the love of God.
Frequently, Rose would leave her reclusive setting to do works of mercy for the poor, the enslaved, and the local Indians. She is credited with founding the first free clinic in the New World. In the family garden, Rose cultivated many herbs that she used as medicines to alleviate the physical needs of many. She also cared for roses, the flower associated with her name.
Rose was frail and thus often ill. She also had bouts of spiritual anguish. She became well known due to her sanctity. All of Lima came to know and respect her. Rose was often called upon for her prayers and holy counsel. She died at the age of 31 on August 24, 1617. The entire city mourned for her. Rose is the first canonized saint of the New World. Her feast day is celebrated on August 23.
This statue has Saint Rose depicted in a Dominican habit. She wears a crown of thorns and holds the cross with roses, lilies and a rosary.
