Saint Rose of Lima, 1586–1617

August 23

Saint Rose of Lima was named Isabel at birth. Her family said she was as pretty as a flower, so they called her “Rose.” The Holy Spirit gave Rose the gift of piety. She prayed and fasted every day. She loved God’s wonderful world. She used her gift to grow beautiful flowers that she sold to help support her family and care for the poor.

Discuss: What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you?

Saint Rose of Lima, named Isabel at birth, was beautiful. Her family said she was as pretty as a flower, so they called her “Rose.” She formally took the name of Rose at her Confirmation. The Holy Spirit gave Rose the gift of piety. She prayed and fasted every day. She also had the gift of wonder and awe. She loved God’s wonderful world. She used her gift to grow beautiful flowers. Rose sold the flowers to help support her family and care for the poor. She is the first person from South America to become a Saint.

Saint Rose is the patron Saint of Latin America and the Philippines. She was very concerned by the mistreatment of the Native Americans of Peru and the slaves of the New World. This concern led to her also becoming the patron Saint for their care. Rose looked to Saint Catherine of Siena as a model of faith.

Rose was also well known for her beautiful embroidery.

Activity

Gift Rose
Visual/Spatial

Explain to the child that Saint Rose of Lima’s gift was growing flowers. As a tribute to her, the child will make a paper rose with their gifts written on the leaves.

• You will need a sheet of red tissue paper, safety scissors, green pipe cleaners (chenille), green construction paper, tape, and a pen or marker.
• Pre-cut the tissue paper into rectangles around 5” x 7”. Give your child a stack of 15 pre-cut sheets.
• Have the child accordion-pleat the tissue paper. Then have them fold in half and wrap the pleated paper with a green pipe cleaner at the bend. They can trim the edges of the paper in a round shape or zigzags, then carefully separate each layer until it is open like a blooming rose.
• Pre-cut the green construction paper into 4” leaf shapes.
• Have the child write their gifts on the leaves and tape the leaves to the pipe cleaner.
• Remind them to let their gifts “bloom,” like Saint Rose of Lima did.