September 4th - St. Rose of Viterbo By: Venassa Jijo

Saint Rose had a desire to help and pray for the poor even from a young age. She began a life of penance in her parents’ house and was very generous to the poor. At the age of 10 years, she became a Secular Franciscan and soon began preaching in the streets about sin and the sufferings of Jesus. There was a time in Rose’s native city, Viterbo, when there was a revolt against the pope. When Rose sided with the Pope, she and her family were exiled from the city. She was only allowed to return once the victory was on the Pope’s side. When Rose was 15 years old, she tried to found a religious community but it failed. As a result, she returned to a life of prayer and penance in her father’s home. She died in 1251 and was canonized in 1457 as the patron saint of people in exile, people rejected by religious orders, Fransiscan youth, Viterbo, and florists.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Saint Rose, you led a strong faithful life at a very young age. Help us live life with God as you did. Pray for us to be generous and kind as you were. Amen.