Saint Rose of Lima | 10 Writings on Suffering, Love, Humility, and Devotion to God

Saint Rose of Lima, also known as Saint Rose of Lima, was a Peruvian saint and the first person born in the Americas to be canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. She is recognized as the patroness of Peru, indigenous people, and many other causes.

Rose of Lima was born on April 20, 1586, in Lima, Peru, and was baptized as Isabel Flores de Oliva. From a young age, Rose was deeply devoted to her faith and felt a strong calling to live a life of extreme piety and devotion to God.

Despite her family's opposition and attempts to marry her off, Rose chose to live a life of penance and prayer as a lay Dominican. She devoted herself to a life of self-imposed austerity, fasting, and mortification, including wearing a crown of thorns. She cared for the sick and poor in her community and dedicated herself to prayer and contemplation.

Rose's life of extreme devotion and self-denial, along with her mystical experiences and acts of charity, made her a revered figure in Lima. She died on August 24, 1617, at the age of 31. She was canonized as a saint by Pope Clement X in 1671, becoming the first saint from the Americas to be officially recognized by the Catholic Church.

Saint Rose of Lima is known for her writings and sayings that reflect her deep spirituality and devotion to God. Here are a few quotes attributed to her:

1. "Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven."
2. "Our Lord and Savior lifted up his voice and said with incomparable majesty: 'Let all men know that grace comes after tribulation. Let them know that without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. Let them know that the gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase.'"
3. "If human beings could only know how well it is to suffer for the love of God, there would be no such thing as bad luck."
4. "Those who don't love their fellow human beings are incapable of loving God."
5. "The divine heart is an ocean full of all good things, wherein poor souls can cast all their needs."
6. "What great wrong have you done me, O soul, that you are punishing yourself so? And why have you given up your own rest and quiet for the gratification of your body, which is going to become food for worms?"
7. "Worldly friends desert us, but never the One who is our true friend."
8. "The Creator of the universe awaits the prayer of one poor little person to save a multitude of others, redeemed like her at the price of his Blood."
9. "True love is strong and humble. It is always kind, gentle, and patient; not seeking its own honor."
10. "The most effective way to learn to love God is to love Him through the sorrowful heart of the Virgin Mary, who loved Him more than all the angels and saints together."

These quotes capture Saint Rose of Lima's emphasis on suffering, love, humility, and devotion to God. They reflect her unique spirituality and the insights she gained through her own experiences and relationship with God.

Saint Rose of Lima's life and example have inspired many throughout history to live lives of piety, self-sacrifice, and compassion for others. She is often depicted with a crown of roses, symbolizing her name and her spiritual beauty. Her feast day is celebrated on August 23rd.