St. Rose of Lima

The Ave Maria Hour Radio Show

Rebroadcast of the long-running radio program, "The Ave Maria Hour," a presentation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. www.AtonementFriars.org St. Rose of Lima is remembered for her piety and chastity. Born in 1586 in Lima, Peru to Spanish colonists, and named Isabel Flores de Olivia, she was exceptionally beautiful. Her beauty was so great that she was nicknamed "Rose." From an early age, Rose wanted to become a nun. She often prayed and fasted in secret. Rose kept herself cloistered in her room, spending long periods in prayer. It was said she slept only two hours per night so as to have more time for prayer. When she turned 20, Rose was permitted to join the Third Order of St. Dominic. She continued a life of extreme prayer, fasting and penance. St. Rose died in 1617 at the age of 31. Pope Clement IX beatified her in 1667 and Pope Clement X recognized her as a saint, canonizing her in 1671. Her feast day is celebrated on August 23.