Feast day: September 4
Patronage: Against bodily ills; people in exile; Viterbo, Italy
Early Life
St. Rose of Viterbo was born in 1233 in the town of Viterbo, within the Papal States. From her earliest years, she was marked by extraordinary piety and innocence of life. Tradition holds that, as a child of only three years, she raised her aunt to life by making the Sign of the Cross over her. Rose was drawn to prayer and austerity, spending long hours in contemplation, even while still very young.
Zeal for the Faith
In her youth, Viterbo was troubled by the heretical sect of the Ghibellines, who opposed the authority of the Roman Pontiff. Inflamed with love of Christ and His Church, Rose felt called by God to defend the Pope’s rights. At only about ten years of age, she began to walk through the streets of her city, barefoot and clad in penitential garb, preaching repentance and urging loyalty to the Vicar of Christ.
Her words carried such fervor that many sinners were converted, and the faith of the people was strengthened. She performed miracles to confirm her preaching, healing the sick and multiplying food for the poor.
Exile and Suffering
Her fearless witness brought upon her the anger of the Ghibelline leaders. At the age of thirteen, she was banished from her hometown, and she lived in exile with her parents for a time. During this period, she persevered in prayer and penance, offering her sufferings for the Church.
Desiring to consecrate herself entirely to God, she sought admittance to the Poor Clare nuns at Viterbo. However, her poverty and youth prevented her acceptance. She submitted humbly, continuing instead her life of piety in the world.
Death and Glory
Rose foretold her early death. At only 18 years of age, on March 6, 1251, she fell ill and died, after exhorting her parents and friends to remain steadfast in faith and to love Jesus Christ above all things.
Immediately after her death, miracles abounded at her tomb. So great was the devotion of the people of Viterbo that they built a church in her honor. Her body, found incorrupt, is preserved in the basilica of St. Rose in Viterbo, where it is still venerated today.
Canonization
Though she was venerated immediately after her death, her formal canonization came later. Pope Innocent IV permitted public devotion to her, and Pope Sixtus IV extended it further. In 1457, Pope Callixtus III canonized her officially, confirming the universal reverence she already enjoyed.
Spiritual Legacy
St. Rose of Viterbo embodies the courage of youthful sanctity: zeal for the truth, ardent charity, and fidelity to the Church in times of trial. She reminds the faithful that sanctity is not measured by years but by the depth of love for God.
Her motto, preserved by tradition, is:
“Live so as not to fear death.”