On August 23, we honor Saint Rose of Lima — the first canonized saint of the Americas. Known for her deep love of God, her care for the poor and sick of Lima, and her extraordinary holinessof her life, she remains a powerful patroness of the Americas. Her virtues were carefully examined by Church authorities and recognized as authentic. This prayer asks for her intercession and her example of total devotion to Christ.
Who Is Saint Rose of Lima?
Born Isabel Flores de Oliva in Lima, Peru, in 1586, she took the name Rose at her confirmation. From childhood she showed an unusual love of prayer and a desire to belong entirely to God — she made a private vow of virginity at a young age, and as she grew, she embraced a life of fasting, silence, and penance that startled even those closest to her.
She became a lay member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic and lived in a small hermitage her family built in their garden, where she devoted herself to prayer and to the poor. There she cared for the sick, the elderly, and abandoned children, using her needlework to support her family and give to those in greater need. Her holiness drew suspicion from some in the Church, and she was formally examined more than once — each time, those who questioned her came away convinced her gifts were genuine and from God.
Rose died in 1617 at the age of thirty-one. Her funeral drew such crowds of mourners that it took days to complete the burial. She was canonized in 1671 by Pope Clement X, becoming the first saint of the New World, and is honored today as the patroness of the Americas, the Philippines, and of gardeners, florists, and needleworkers.
Her life reminds us that true beauty is found in holiness, humility, and complete trust in Christ.
When Should You Pray This Prayer?
- On her feast day, August 23
- When seeking her intercession as patroness of the Americas
- When asking for grace to serve the poor and the sick with greater love
- When struggling with vanity, comparison, or the pressure to be admired by others
- Whenever you seek strength to remain faithful in a season of trial or misunderstanding
- When praying for purity of heart and deeper union with Christ
Powerful Prayer to Saint Rose of Lima
Through the intercession of Saint Rose of Lima, let us ask God for a heart devoted entirely to Christ and generous in serving others.
God our Father, for love of You, Saint Rose gave up everything to devote herself to a life of penance.
By the help of her prayers, may we imitate her selfless way of life on earth and enjoy the fullness of Your blessings in heaven.
I ask for this favor: (mention your request).
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saint Rose of Lima, pray for us.
How to Use This Prayer
This prayer can be said on its own, especially on August 23, or whenever you seek Saint Rose’s intercession. It can be prayed alone in a quiet moment, or shared with others who share devotion to her as patroness of the Americas. Some pray it alongside small acts of charity toward the poor or the sick, in the same spirit that marked her own life.
You may also conclude by praying one Our Father for the people of the Americas and for those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
Related Prayers
Frequently Asked Questions
The feast of Saint Rose of Lima is celebrated on August 23. She actually died on August 24, 1617, but since that date was already the feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, her feast was placed on August 23 instead.
Saint Rose of Lima was the first person born in the Americas to be canonized a saint. Pope Clement X declared her Patroness of the Americas and the Philippines in recognition of her holiness and her care for the poor of Lima, Peru.
She is the patron saint of the Americas, the Philippines, Peru, gardeners, florists, and needleworkers, and is invoked against vanity.
Pope Clement X canonized her in 1671, making her the first canonized saint of the Americas.
Saint Rose of Lima was the first person born in the Americas to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Her canonization in 1671 made her a symbol of the flourishing Christian faith in the New World.
