St. Rose of Lima: Reflection on Sacrifice & Service

St. Rose of Lima, the first Saint born of the Americas, is an example of a life of sacrifice and service to those around her and to the world. As we celebrate her feast this month on August 23rd (or August 30th), how can we see her life and learn to live like her 400 years later?

The Life of St. Rose

It is written that Isabel Flores de Oliva was born beautiful. This is one of the reasons attributed to her going most of her life by the name of Rose.

From an early age, Rose was drawn to prayer, penance, and Jesus in the Eucharist. She wrestled with a clear calling from God to pray for the world as a religious sister. It would be years until she could act in obedience after persuading her parents, who wanted her to marry. During this time, she down played her beauty in various ways, from cutting her hair to using peppers to damage her face.

Eventually, she was able to live out her life as a Third Order Dominican, often praying in the solitude of her family’s garden. Other than going to mass or chapel, she prayed, sacrificed and served the poor from her hut through her art of needlework and gardening flowers.

Sacrifice Like St. Rose

Beyond living a life of seclusion, St. Rose also did penance on behalf of the world. She always had souls on her mind as she mortified herself through fasting, little sleep, and even a silver crown with thorns.

These sacrifices seem extreme in today’s light, but they show her devotedness and her willingness to humble herself. She truly put herself last.

On the occasion that I do sacrifice, it is easy to think, “What am I gaining from this?” but for Rose it was an opportunity to think of others and to pray that they would know Christ for eternity.

Serve Like St. Rose

Though likely tired and hungry herself, Rose did not let her penances interfere with her service to those who were ill or needed food. From her secluded garden she was still able to serve her community and the world. Rose welcomed people into her home to care for them in addition to all of her prayer and sacrifice on their behalf.

Finally, Rose was an artist. She cultivated a garden and a skill in needlework that allowed her to generate income for both her family as well as the poor around her.

Where Can We Sacrifice and Serve?

Today, raising funds for the poor alone would cause many people to admire Rose. Yet, this service appears dwarfed by the magnitude of her prayers, penances, and hospitality.

How can I look to St. Rose and live my life differently? Humble in her beauty, never seeking selfish comforts, and generous with her time and talents, this Saint is truly an example for the world and especially us in the Americas, as she is our patroness along with Our Lady of Guadalupe.

A Story of Service Today

Joe Rogan recently interviewed Alan Graham, CEO and Founder of Mobile Loaves and Fishes. I was inspired by Alan’s humility and openness to hearing a calling from God and acting on it.

Through his Catholic faith, Alan was inspired, like St. Rose, to devote his life to others. It is different in many ways, but it has at its root the same inspiration from Jesus. This is a modern look at service and sacrifice that is more than a Band-Aid to cover an issue. This is a beautiful mission that is everlasting, because it is relational.

I was pleased to see a ministry so rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty. Even their core values on their website are worth reflecting on, starting with a direct quote from the Catechism, paragraph one:

St. Rose of Lima, Pray for Us!

With inspiration from St. Rose of Lima 400 years ago and from Alan and his organization today, I hope to reflect on ways I can grow in service and sacrifice.

St. Rose of Lima, Patroness of the Americas, Pray for Us!

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