Saint Rose of Viterbo

Feast day : 04 September

Saint Rose of Viterbo, was a young Italian member of the Third Order of St. Francis who lived during the period 1235-1252. Her short life was characterised by several miracles and mystical experiences which began as early as when she was three years of age. She undertook severe penances for the conversion of sinners and when the Emperor Federick II opposed the Papal authority over Viterbo, she preached to the people on the streets and brought them back to papal allegiance. She died at the young age of 17 years in the year 1252 and was canonised by Pope Callistus III in the year 1457.

Early life:
Saint Rose was born to pious and religious parents in the year 1235. From an early age she was endowed with extraordinary graces. At the age of three she is believed to have raised her maternal aunt from the dead. As the family were standing around the deceased aunt and mourning her loss, Rose was greatly moved by the sorrow of her family and went to the coffin, raised her eyes to heaven and prayed silently. She then called her aunt by her name and the dead woman responded by opening her eyes and embracing little Rose!! By the age of seven, she chose to retire to a small cell in her father’s house where she spent all her time in prayer and severe penances. She offered it all for the conversion of sinners.

Three years later, at the age of ten, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her in a vision and instructed her to join the Third Order of St. Francis. This was followed by a vision of Our Lord on the Cross wearing the crown of thorns on His head and bleeding profusely from all His wounds. Deeply moved by this sight St. Rose called out to the Lord “O my Lord, who has reduced Thee to this state?” Our Lord replied, “My love, my deep love for men has done this.” Again she asked “But who has so pierced and torn Thee?” The Lord replied “The sins of men have done it” She then cried “Sin, Sin!” and scourged herself to make atonement for the sins of the world. She took a cross in her hand and went up and down the streets and public squares of her city telling people of the terrible tortures our Lord suffered for the sins of mankind. She often urged people to undertake penances for their sins.

Miracles & conversions:

The town of Viterbo was a Papal State but when Emperor Federick II opposed the Papal authority, people too began to oppose the Holy Pope. Saint Rose took to the streets preaching to the people and large crowds gathered to hear her. Several thousands repented and returned to the legitimate papal allegiance but Saint Rose and her family were banished from the town of Viterbo. They moved to Soriano and later to Vitorchiano where she continued to preach. At Vitorchiano, there was a sorceress who was greatly feared by the people. Saint Rose desired the conversion of her and so she decided to pray in a different way. She had an immense pile of wood set on fire in the public square. She stepped into the fire and remained in it for three hours unharmed and praising God!! Seeing this great miracle, the sorceress repented her evil ways and had a true conversion of heart.

By the age of 15, she returned back to Viterbo after the authority of the Holy Pope was re-established in Viterbo. She had a great desire to enter the convent of the Poor Clares but she was too poor to provide for the dowry needed to gain admission. Though sad she did not give in to despair and said, “Well, you will not receive me while I am alive, but you will receive me after I am dead.” This came true after her death.

Death & Sainthood:

She died two years later in her father’s home following an illness. Two and a half years after her death, she appeared three times to Pope Alexander IV, who was in Viterbo at the time and told him to have her body moved to the convent of the Poor Clares thereby fulfilling her prophesy when she was alive. When the body was extracted it was found to be incorrupt and it continues to be so till date. The skin of her body has darkened due to the fire that broke out in the church where her body was kept but her body remains unharmed. Several miracles have been reported at her tomb. She was canonized by Pope Callistus III in the year 1457. Her feast day is celebrated on September 4.