+ St. Rose of Lima is the first canonized saint of the Americas. Born in Lima, the capital of Peru, she was baptized Isabel de Flores. An Indian maid was struck by the infant's beauty and declared in a phrase that is still common in Spanish, that she was "como una rosa" ("like a rose"), and her mother agreed that this is how she was to be known. As an adolescent Rose took Catherine of Siena as her model, not only for her mystical experiences, but also for her acts of severe penance. She was so devoted to her vow of chastity that she used pepper and lye to ruin her beautiful complexion so she would not be attractive to men. She lived and meditated in a garden, raising vegetable and making embroidered items to sell to support her family and help the poor. She became a Dominican tertiary in 1606. She was a mystic, a visionary and received the invisible stigmata. She suffered from assorted physical and mental ailments. She was the founder of social work in Peru – thus, all in all making her a fitting candidate for sainthood in the Church. She died on August 24, 1617 at Lima of natural causes at age 31. She was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671.
The readings today fit the saint. St. Rose of Lima made the Lord her entire boast. She never wanted to take credit for any of the good works that were accomplished through her. Her humility was outstanding and God visited her in person to bring her joy and consolation in her trials. Rose found in Jesus, his Church, in her ministry to the poor the treasure that is the Kingdom of God. And she willing "sold everything" she had to "buy the treasure" to "buy the pearl of great price." May we today value highly and deeply the amazing treasure we have in our restored relationship and friendship with God. The reconnected relationship that now makes our eternal salvation possible. And may we do all in our power today to preserve and protect this relationship – moving away from anything and anyone that would interfere with it.
St. Rose of Lima pray for us, as we share in your discovery of a great treasure!
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