Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

Saint Rose was born in Lima, Peru, on April 20, 1586. She was given the name Isabel, but nicknamed Rose because of her great beauty. However, Rose did not want people to admire her beauty, because it might lead to temptation. To make herself less attractive, she rubbed lime and pepper on her face until it blistered. She also performed strict acts of penance, such as wearing a silver circlet on her head studded inside with sharp points. Even though she worked hard to support her poor family, she refused to marry because of her great love for Jesus. Because of Rose's love for Jesus she was often tempted by the devil, and at times she felt great loneliness and separation from God. Even though she sometimes felt this way, she offered all of her sadness and suffering up to God. She died at the age of 24, and was the first canonized saint of the New World. She is the patron saint of Latin America and the Philippines.