St. Rose of Lima lived on this earth for only 31 years, and yet she has left a great and lasting “heart-print” not only in Lima, Peru, but throughout the world. She was born in 1586 of noble parents, a beautiful child, full of God's grace. She was destined to touch the lives of countless people in Lima with compassion imbued with a strong desire for equal justice and peace for all, regardless of economic status or skin color.
From an early age, she was extraordinary in her deep love for God, her asceticism and devotion to contemplative prayer, her humility and selflessness, her love of nature and care for all of creation, and her blending of gardening and needlework into her solitude and prayer. She was very young when she was able to give her life and love completely to Jesus Christ crucified and was steadfast in this commitment for her entire life. She lovingly joined her personal pain and suffering with the suffering and death of Jesus, thus becoming one with him in a powerful love that could reach everyone, everywhere.
Rose was blessed with two very special companions on her spiritual journey, St. Catherine of Siena and St. Martin de Porres. Catherine, a Tertiary of the Dominican Order, lived two centuries before Rose. Yet, when Rose learned of Catherine's God-filled life, courage, and love of the Church, she was deeply inspired and looked to Catherine as her model and guide.
When Rose grew older, she too became a Tertiary of the Order of St. Dominic. St. Martin De Porres was a childhood friend of Rose who lived across the street from her in Lima. Their long friendship developed into a deep spiritual bond and a shared outreach to so many indigent people in Lima who were sick, suffering, and in need of healing. Martin outlived Rose, but the spirit of their contemplative action lives on until this day, calling out to all the world.
Thank you, Rose, Patroness of the Americas and the Philippines. Take us by the hand along the path of your beautiful garden of love and contemplative action. Lead us ever closer to Christ, that we too may sow seeds of justice, peace, and love in the garden of our lives.
– Sister Barbara Paul, OP
Sister Barbara served in Peru from 1985 to 1994 as a Maryknoll Sisters Associate in the “pueblo joven” of Pachacamac, near Lima. She ministered as part of a team that included Maryknoll Priests, Sisters, Associates, and Peruvian lay partners.
– Sister Maureen Robinson, OP
Sister Maureen served as a Maryknoll Associate in Peru from 1979 to 2011, ministering in Pamplona Alta, a marginalized community on the outskirts of Lima. Her work spanned health care, human rights, and pastoral outreach.