Saint Rose of Lima: The Story of the First Canonized Saint of the Americas

St. Rose of Lima (1586-1617), Patroness of the Americas, is the first canonized saint of the New World. She was the tenth of thirteen children, and her mother experienced no pain at her birth. Though exquisitely beautiful (hence her nickname, Rose), she refused to marry, and while helping support her family by needlework and growing flowers, she practiced heroic charity and lived as a Dominican Tertiary in her parents' home. Rose tenderly cared for the sick, even those with repulsive wounds, and she often obtained miraculous cures for people from the Child Jesus. On other occasions, she worked miracles in order to feed the members of her family, and became known as “Mother of the Poor.” Rose continually prayed and offered her sufferings for the conversion of the idolatrous Incas. In the year 1615, through her prayers, the Blessed Sacrament and the people of Lima were spared attack by savage pirates. St. Rose was a friend and confidant of St. Martin de Porres, who lived in the same city. Her mystical experiences caused an ecclesiastical inquiry.Though dead at only 31, St. Rose's love of God was so intense that she was recognized as a saint in her own time and was canonized by the Church just 54 years later, in 1671. St. Rose of Lima has captured the imagination of the world and stands as one of the most popular saints in the history of the Church. * * * Brazilian 3D designer [Cícero Moraes](http://www.ciceromoraes.com.br/doc/pt_br/Moraes/RFF_Religiosas.html) has done a very neat [forensic facial reconstruction of St. Rose of Lima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Rosa_de_Lima_Ebrafol.jpg):  The story for children and youth of St. Rose of Lima, who became a hermit in her own home--rather than go to a convent--and how she became a great Saint. At her confirmation in 1597, she took the name of Rose, because, when an infant, her face had been seen transformed by a mystical rose. As a child she was remarkable for a great reverence, and pronounced love, for all things relating to God. Impr. 132 pgs 13 Illus, PB