Rose of Lima, Virgin

Isabel de Santa Maria de Flores was the daughter of wealthy Spanish parents, but lived much of her life in Peru. Because of her beauty, she was called Rose by her parents and took this name at her Confirmation. Rose wished to live an austere life, and did so, but also spent much of her time consoling the poor, the sick, the Indians, and slaves. For this she has come to be regarded as the originator of social service in Peru. Rose was so well known that when she died on August 24, 1617, senior officials of Peru and of Lima took turns carrying her casket to burial.

All of us are called to help those less fortunate than ourselves, whether they be the poor, the sick, those uneducated in their faith—any person or group to which injustice has been done. While it may not be possible to help all of these people except through prayer, we can and should do what we can.