What do you think?
Rate this book
Cross and Crown #36
St. Rose of Lima : Patroness of the Americas
St. Rose of Lima (1586-1617), Patroness of the Americas, is the first canonized saint of the New World. She was the tenth of thirteen children, and her mother experienced no pain at her birth. Though exquisitely beautiful (hence her nickname, Rose), she refused to marry, and while helping support her family by needlework and growing flowers, she practiced heroic charity and lived as a Dominican Tertiary in her parents’ home. Rose tenderly cared for the sick, even those with repulsive wounds, and she often obtained miraculous cures for people from the Child Jesus.
On other occasions, she worked miracles in order to feed the members of her family, and became known as “Mother of the Poor.” Rose continually prayed and offered her sufferings for the conversion of the idolatrous Incas. In the year 1615, through her prayers, the Blessed Sacrament and the people of Lima were spared attack by savage pirates. St. Rose was a friend and confidant of St. Martin de Porres, who lived in the same city. Her mystical experiences caused an ecclesiastical inquiry.
Though dead at only 31, St. Rose’s love of God was so intense that she was recognized as a saint in her own time and was canonized by the Church just 54 years later, in 1671. St. Rose of Lima has captured the imagination of the world and stands as one of the most popular saints in the history of the Church.
On other occasions, she worked miracles in order to feed the members of her family, and became known as “Mother of the Poor.” Rose continually prayed and offered her sufferings for the conversion of the idolatrous Incas. In the year 1615, through her prayers, the Blessed Sacrament and the people of Lima were spared attack by savage pirates. St. Rose was a friend and confidant of St. Martin de Porres, who lived in the same city. Her mystical experiences caused an ecclesiastical inquiry.
Though dead at only 31, St. Rose’s love of God was so intense that she was recognized as a saint in her own time and was canonized by the Church just 54 years later, in 1671. St. Rose of Lima has captured the imagination of the world and stands as one of the most popular saints in the history of the Church.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1968
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 6, 2016
I actually like the story of St. Rose herself, but this book takes a bit too long to get into it, so regretfully I have to give it 3 stars. If you're not really interested in the history of Spanish colonization of South America, you can skip to chapter three and you won't miss a beat.
For sure, the history gives the biography a proper context. But it doesn't play too much of a role IMHO, unlike the story of St. Catherine of Siena, where you have to understand what was happening in Europe during the late medieval era in order to comprehend the greatness of the saint.
In St. Rose's life, the Peruvian history helps readers to grasp Rose's social position and why her helping the poor regardless of their races was something extraordinary. Some of Rose's prayers are also made contextual, since she prayed a lot for her country. But again unlike St. Catherine, St. Rose didn't do much politics, so the historical and political background could've been featured less.
Other than that, the biography itself is excellent. It is well-researched and well-written, with enough mixture of facts and prose. I could almost feel the scorching tropical heat and the hardness of adobe walls. I could almost sniff the smell of the spices and the equally spicy, colorful attitude of the people. St. Rose was much like St. Catherine, first in her disposition and later in her mystical way. But St. Rose was, I think, more sociable, typical of her Latina culture. Whereas St. Catherine had followers, St. Rose had friends.
For me personally, St. Rose also fills a space where the life of St. Catherine could not. St. Rose was a daughter of a colonized land, much like Indonesia. In this aspect, her situation is therefore more relatable for Indonesians. For example, she prayed about the politics of the colonists and for Spain as well as for her homeland of Peru. St. Catherine, an Italian, did not have this in her life. This shows that there's a perfect saint or two for everyone and for every circumstance. Sainthood does not depend on which country one hails from, because the children of God all hail from one and the same fatherland, and that is Heaven.
For sure, the history gives the biography a proper context. But it doesn't play too much of a role IMHO, unlike the story of St. Catherine of Siena, where you have to understand what was happening in Europe during the late medieval era in order to comprehend the greatness of the saint.
In St. Rose's life, the Peruvian history helps readers to grasp Rose's social position and why her helping the poor regardless of their races was something extraordinary. Some of Rose's prayers are also made contextual, since she prayed a lot for her country. But again unlike St. Catherine, St. Rose didn't do much politics, so the historical and political background could've been featured less.
Other than that, the biography itself is excellent. It is well-researched and well-written, with enough mixture of facts and prose. I could almost feel the scorching tropical heat and the hardness of adobe walls. I could almost sniff the smell of the spices and the equally spicy, colorful attitude of the people. St. Rose was much like St. Catherine, first in her disposition and later in her mystical way. But St. Rose was, I think, more sociable, typical of her Latina culture. Whereas St. Catherine had followers, St. Rose had friends.
For me personally, St. Rose also fills a space where the life of St. Catherine could not. St. Rose was a daughter of a colonized land, much like Indonesia. In this aspect, her situation is therefore more relatable for Indonesians. For example, she prayed about the politics of the colonists and for Spain as well as for her homeland of Peru. St. Catherine, an Italian, did not have this in her life. This shows that there's a perfect saint or two for everyone and for every circumstance. Sainthood does not depend on which country one hails from, because the children of God all hail from one and the same fatherland, and that is Heaven.
July 27, 2024
Let me be clear, 4 stars for the book, but a billion stars for St Rose. She’s the goat. Sometimes I get deluded into thinking I’m tough but I think I should just always return to this book & the life of St Rose to know what someone who is truly in love with the Lord looks like. St Rose pray for me please.
October 24, 2014
10-24-14
Alphonsus Breaks Hearts With St. Rose of Lima’s Story
Can you perform miracles absent-mindedly? Many people joke about the idea of performing miracles and many people dedicate their prayers to them, in hopes that one might take place. St. Rose is thought to have been able to perform miracles without even thinking. Alphonsus factually maintains Rose's life story while sending people the message that God made them who they are and they do not need to change that.
The main character, St. Rose, goes throughout her life always wanting to be as close to God as much as possible but both humane and supernatural forces hold her back until she reaches the ultimate challenge allowing her to move forward with her goals. An example of Rose’s trials that she endures throughout the book in order to become closer to go is as follows: “Was Rose already experiencing aridity in prayer? It appears that she was. How else can we explain the appeal that such songs of abandonment had for her? Still, these times of spiritual dryness could not have lasted long, though they left Rose stunned and bewildered” (102 Alphonsus)
I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 because of the adventure put indirectly in the book along with factual information. I recommend this book to religiously dedicated or interested people and people who are interested in the theory of miracles. This book is told in both the 2nd and 3rd person point of view, other books by Alphonsus include St. Martin De Porres.
Alphonsus Breaks Hearts With St. Rose of Lima’s Story
Can you perform miracles absent-mindedly? Many people joke about the idea of performing miracles and many people dedicate their prayers to them, in hopes that one might take place. St. Rose is thought to have been able to perform miracles without even thinking. Alphonsus factually maintains Rose's life story while sending people the message that God made them who they are and they do not need to change that.
The main character, St. Rose, goes throughout her life always wanting to be as close to God as much as possible but both humane and supernatural forces hold her back until she reaches the ultimate challenge allowing her to move forward with her goals. An example of Rose’s trials that she endures throughout the book in order to become closer to go is as follows: “Was Rose already experiencing aridity in prayer? It appears that she was. How else can we explain the appeal that such songs of abandonment had for her? Still, these times of spiritual dryness could not have lasted long, though they left Rose stunned and bewildered” (102 Alphonsus)
I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 because of the adventure put indirectly in the book along with factual information. I recommend this book to religiously dedicated or interested people and people who are interested in the theory of miracles. This book is told in both the 2nd and 3rd person point of view, other books by Alphonsus include St. Martin De Porres.
December 14, 2024
The content about St Rose of Lima was superb. However, the author seemed to get lost in the history of Peru and Spain several times. This wandering did not really contribute to the story of Rose of Lima. There were also a few places where the author would say things like this person is super important later and will change the course of human history in ways unimaginable and then the author would go back to the actual story of Rose of Lima (it was annoying). All of the information on Rose of Lima did make the book worth it in the end. She is an amazing Saint and I hope to one day be half as wonderful as she was in her lifetime.
December 8, 2017
A good read but filled with a lot of detail about world and local events, most of which are irrelevant to her story, in the period leading up to Rose's life and during her life (1586-1607) in Peru. Interesting to the historian, and a credit to the author's knowledge and research, but not so much to those who want to know about Rose. To start reading about her go to chapter four.
Somewhat of an historical novel in that there is a lot of dialogue that hardly would have been recorded. It is not clear how many of the facts came from contemporaneous accounts and those dealing with her cause (no footnotes or bibliography). But, considering the author's scholarship, and her clarification or cautions about details, it seems this is a pretty accurate picture of Rose and her life. She also will point out Rose's faults, making this less likely to be a hagiography.
The author also makes efforts throughout to explain some things, like mortifications and harsh treatment, that seem strange and repulsive to the modern reader. This is a welcome addition as she anticipates the reader's concerns, at least at times.
Spiritually edifying, Rose's example should draw the reader closer to God and make him consider what more he can do for the Lord.
Somewhat of an historical novel in that there is a lot of dialogue that hardly would have been recorded. It is not clear how many of the facts came from contemporaneous accounts and those dealing with her cause (no footnotes or bibliography). But, considering the author's scholarship, and her clarification or cautions about details, it seems this is a pretty accurate picture of Rose and her life. She also will point out Rose's faults, making this less likely to be a hagiography.
The author also makes efforts throughout to explain some things, like mortifications and harsh treatment, that seem strange and repulsive to the modern reader. This is a welcome addition as she anticipates the reader's concerns, at least at times.
Spiritually edifying, Rose's example should draw the reader closer to God and make him consider what more he can do for the Lord.
September 9, 2012
A gem of a book!
I had read many criticisms of Saint Rose and her penances in other books... one stated outright that they did not include her because they questioned the holiness of one who went to such extremes. This book does a great job of explaining not only her motivation, obedience and love in these actions, but also the times in which she lived and the general norms of the day. I was able to "journey" through her world and her life with a greater understanding and joy. I couldn't help but cry at her death... mournfully as though I had lost an earthly friend, and yet joyfully because I had gained a heavenly sister and intercessor.
Saint Rose, pray for us!
I had read many criticisms of Saint Rose and her penances in other books... one stated outright that they did not include her because they questioned the holiness of one who went to such extremes. This book does a great job of explaining not only her motivation, obedience and love in these actions, but also the times in which she lived and the general norms of the day. I was able to "journey" through her world and her life with a greater understanding and joy. I couldn't help but cry at her death... mournfully as though I had lost an earthly friend, and yet joyfully because I had gained a heavenly sister and intercessor.
Saint Rose, pray for us!
October 3, 2015
Excellent biography. Well written, engaging, and a history lesson on top of serving its purpose to acquaint you throughly with St. Rose and her family. I'm rather picky about biographies, as some are verbose and Bing, but this I quite enjoyed. I can't relate to her extreme penance, but I found her fascinating in spite of, or even partly because of, it! Highly recommended if you want a very in depth biography covering her entire life. If you want a brief overview I'd suggest looking elsewhere. I wish they would make a movie of her life!!
February 27, 2018
Despite the amount of time it took me to finish, this was a really good book. St. Rose of Lima is special to me, and this biography allowed me to delve into and understand her life. The author gave great background into colonial South America, the contentious mother/daughter relationship, St. Rose’s excesses in mortification in addition to an explanation of the reasons behind it, and why and how she is Holy. This was definitely worth the time.
September 1, 2011
The coolest saint ever!
October 27, 2019
Caveat: this read takes commitment. If you're only looking to read about Rose, skip the first two chapters - they are about the land and history (not Rose). Even the 3rd and 4th chapters lose the narrative of Rose a lot (later chapters less so). This certainly feels like an exhaustive account of St. Rose of Lima.
The writing itself seems masterful. The events and people are described with such certainty. Things that aren't known for sure are noted as such. Things that are known are just told as reality.
Excellent work overall.
The writing itself seems masterful. The events and people are described with such certainty. Things that aren't known for sure are noted as such. Things that are known are just told as reality.
Excellent work overall.
March 30, 2020
Overall, this was a good biography on the Saint however it did drag on a bit in some areas. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in Saint Rose of Lima.
February 9, 2013
My daughter was reading this for a book report & as I always like to do, I read it too. This was a wonderful book with a great story to be told. I was quite impressed by this young girl and she made quite the impression on my daughter!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews