Saint Rose of Lima
Feast day: August 23
First saint of the Americas, Dominican virgin of Peru, model of penance and love for the crucified Christ.
Isabel Flores de Oliva was born on April 20, 1586, in Lima, Peru, to a family of Spanish colonists. She was called Rose for her beauty but preferred humility and a life consecrated to God.
She became a Dominican tertiary at home, living rigorous penance, prayer, and charity toward Lima's poor and sick.
She built a small oratory in her garden and dedicated herself to contemplating Christ's Passion, renouncing worldly praise.
She died on August 24, 1617, at age 31. Beatified in 1667 and canonized in 1671 by Clement X — the first saint born on the American continent.
Her liturgical feast is August 23. She is patroness of Peru, Latin America, and the Philippines, invoked for purity and strength in Christian life.
Dedicated prayer
To the first saint of the Americas, we ask purity of heart, strength in penance, and love for the crucified Christ.
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