Rose of Lima, Saint

views updated

Saint Rose of Lima, 1586–1617, Peruvian Dominican tertiary and mystic, the first canonized saint of the New World, patron of South America and the Philippine Islands. Despite her family's attempt to have her marry, Rose took a vow of virginity and entered the religious life. She lived as a recluse and was remarkable for pious austerities and self-imposed penances. She died at 31 after a long illness and was canonized in 1671. Her shrine is at Lima. Feast: Aug. 23 (formerly Aug. 30).

More From encyclopedia.com