Today, September 4, FSPA honors the feast day of St. Rose of Viterbo.
In the small town of Viterbo, Italy, a young girl named Rose was born in 1233. From a young age, Rose was drawn to the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. She dedicated her life to prayer and helping others. By the time she was seventeen, Rose had become a beacon of hope in Viterbo, encouraging the people to stay loyal to the Church and resist Emperor Frederick II's forces.
Rose’s influence did not end with her death in 1251. In a book written by Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Joan Weisenbeck and Marlene Weisenbeck, “Manna for a Wintery Earth The Story of Rose of Viterbo,” Joan and Marlene share, “Her life and death were prolific with miraculous events. Nearly 1200 miracles have been documented, having been attributed to the prayers and merits of St. Rose, the most recent being in 1985.”
Even today, St. Rose is remembered as a symbol of hope and strength for the people of Viterbo, who honor her as their patron saint.
Prayer in honor of Saint Rose of Viterbo
Rose was a lover of the poor.
Rose was a preacher of the Gospel.
Rose was a peacemaker.
May all people be eager
To do what is holy
By relating Rose’s virtues
To their own life.