Saint Rose of Viterbo
Feast day: September 4
Franciscan virgin and preacher, who died young witnessing to the faith with courage.
Rose was born in Viterbo, Lazio, in 1235, to humble parents who raised her in the Christian faith.
At ten, after her father's death, she entered the Third Order of St. Francis and began preaching in the streets against heresy and political corruption.
Her preaching drew crowds; she was expelled from the city by order of Emperor Frederick II and lived in exile at Vitorchiano.
She returned to Viterbo after the emperor's death but died prematurely on March 6, 1252, at only seventeen.
Her body was found incorrupt; she was beatified in 1457 and canonized the same year by Callixtus III.
Her liturgical feast is September 4. She is invoked as a model of purity and courage in youth.
Dedicated prayer
To the Franciscan virgin and preacher, we ask purity of heart and intercession in life's needs.
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