Saint Rose of Lima: A Love that Changes the World

The Church celebrates the life of Saint Rose of Lima, Peru, each year on August 23. In Saint Rose we have a perfect model of devotion and love of the Lord and His people. In her short 31 years (April 1586 - August 1617), Saint Rose proved herself a champion of the sick and poor, totally selfless with her mind and heart intent only on God. She was a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic whose life-long journey was filled with sacrifice and prayerful solitude. Her solidarity with the poor models for us the simple yet profound way that each of us can embrace if we want to make a change in the world. Saint Rose also has the great distinction of being the first person born in the Americas to be canonized a saint.

All of this said, it seems certain by the life she lived, that Saint Rose would really not like any of this attention. She lived, prayed, worked and served simply. 

There is a temptation to put sainthood off—relegating it to a select few who appear to live a life that is unattainable and far from our reach. We often don't make a big deal about the little things we do for others, but in fact, they are a big deal. Saint Teresa of Calcutta urged us to, "Do small things with great love." Countless acts of love are accomplished throughout the world each moment in small ways. These acts of love turn the evil in the world upside down and make goodness out of every horrible deed. Small deed by small deed, love always wins. Saint Rose of Lima left the world the legacy of small deeds done with great love. The magnificent part of her legacy is that she has and continues to inspire millions of souls who struggle to see their own power and goodness, but never fail to do small, wonderful things with great love. 

What small things of with great love have you done today?
 

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