It is said that Saint Rose, who died at just 18, performed miraculous healings and foretold future events. These episodes helped consolidate her reputation as a saint and miracle worker. But Saint Rose is also the saint of charity and social commitment, and a model of virtue. Let us explore these aspects of her extraordinary life.
Wonders, miracles, and divine manifestations
We know for certain that little Rose of Viterbo came to the aid of many parts of Italy and other continents as well. In Latin America, for example, she is highly venerated. There have truly been many miraculous healings through her intercession. The ex votos are countless. Many people have also felt her help and comfort during times of illness. Even while she was alive, she had performed a whole series of wonders and miracles, which then continued to occur at her tomb.
The Saint's life itself was a miracle. She was born in Viterbo around 1233 with a severe malformation: she had no sternum, an extremely rare condition that even today would entail a very limited life expectancy. She survived until the age of 18, something unthinkable given her malformation.
In 1250, the young woman had visions of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the saints, and of some dead people unknown to her.
βYou will hold me dear after my deathβ: the prophecy comes true
Rosa had a dream: she wanted to enter the convent of the Damianites in Viterbo, but this was impossible because she was told that the number of nuns was already complete. And so came the prophecy she uttered: Β«You do not want me now, but you will cherish me when I am deadΒ». And indeed, seven years later, the body of Saint Rosa, which had been buried in the Church of Santa Maria in Poggio, her parish church, was transferred by order of Alexander IV to the present-day Monastery of Saint Rosa: the prophecy is fulfilled.
A young saint, a lay saint, a saint who spread the faith: a very relevant figure today
In a world like ours, where unfortunately wars and divisions are not lacking, the life of Saint Rosa is like a beacon. She was a peacemaker: during a period of conflict, she brought peace, an effective peace that also had lasting consequences. Indeed, many people, especially women, inspired by her, became peacemakers, βdoing good well,β like Blessed Armida Barelli, who turned to Saint Rosa, going to pray at her tomb.
In Saint Rosa, we see an alternation between prayer and social activity, contemplation and life in relationship with others. Truly a saint for our times, who still has much to say to the men and women of today.
Even today, many people continue to testify to the miraculous interventions of Saint Rosa, and among them are many who did not even know her; therefore, they did not pray to her as her devotees do. Above all, we ask God the Father, through the intercession of Saint Rosa, for the docility to accept His will.
