Who was Rose of Lima? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Isabel Flores de Oliva

Died At Age: 31

Family:

father: Gaspar Flores

mother: María de Oliva

siblings: Andrés Flores de Oliva, Antonio Flores de Oliva, Bernardina Flores de Oliva, Francisco Flores de Oliva, Francisco Matías Flores de Oliva, Gaspar Flores de Oliva, Hernando Flores de Oliva, Jacinta Flores de Oliva, Juana Flores de Oliva

Born Country: Peru

Saints Peruvian Women

Died on: August 24, 1617

place of death: Lima, Peru

City: Lima, Peru

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Early Life

St Rose of Lima was born as Isabel Flores de Oliva in the city of Lima, which was then situated in the Viceroyalty of Peru. Her date of birth was 30th April 1586. Her father was Gaspar Flores, a harquebusier, in the Imperial Spanish army, and her mother’s name was Maria de Oliva y Herrera. Her nickname ‘Rose’ came from an incident where a servant claimed that he saw her face transform into a rose. She later took on the name Rose formally, after she was confirmed into the Catholic Church by the Archbishop of Lima.

She was drawn into spiritual life from an early age. She began fasting three times a week, and also performed severe penances secretly. When she started attracting men due to her beauty, she cut off her hair as well as smeared pepper over her face. Though her parents wanted to get her married, she rejected all the suitors, and took a vow of virginity, which her parents vehemently opposed. She also began abstaining from meat.

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Later Years

Soon, she began helping the hungry and sick people in her community. She brought them into her room, and began taking care of them. She also made and sold lace and embroidery to be able to take care of the needy. She eventually became a recluse as well, and left her room only when she needed to visit the church. She wanted to become a nun, but since her father was against it, at the age of 20, she joined the Third Order of St Dominic, while still living with her parents.

She regularly wore a crown of thorns as well, to emulate the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ, and she used to practice fasting quite often. She also used to sleep very less. She lived this way for eleven years, and eventually passed away on 24th August 1617, at the age of 31. It is said that several miracles followed her death. It is also claimed that she prophesized the date of her death.

On 10th May 1667, she was beatified by Pope Clement IX, and on 12th April 1671, she was canonized by Pope Clement X. She was the first Catholic in the Americas who was declared a saint.

Rose of Lima Biography