Saint Rosa

Saint Rosa was born into a pious family in Viterbo, Italy, in 1656. From a young age, she desired to consecrate her life to God. However, at age twenty, she became uncertain about her future and decided to become engaged. Tragically, her fiancé passed away, and she ultimately entered a Dominican convent. However, she later left to take care of her mother, who had been widowed. Through praying the Rosary with other women in her community, Rosa discovered her true calling as a teacher. In 1685, Rosa established the first public school for girls in Italy with the assistance of two friends and the endorsement of her local bishop. Although some Church and state officials supported the initiative, there were others who opposed the unconventional educational approach. 

Every day, a young girl would walk through the streets of Viterbo, ringing a bell and inviting girls and young women to attend the school. The lessons began with prayer, followed by teachings on religion, practical skills, and literacy. The school quickly gained popularity, and Rosa received requests from bishops and cardinals to establish similar institutions in other locations.   

In 1713, Rosa established a school in Rome where she received a visit from Pope Clement XI. During the visit, the Pope and eight cardinals attended a catechism class and posed questions to the students. At the end of the visit, the Pope expressed his gratitude for Rosa's valuable work, awarded her a silver medal, and encouraged her to expand her schools to other cities. As a result, the schools quickly spread throughout the region. With the guidance of Jesuit priests, she maintained a harmonious balance between her active apostolate and contemplative prayer life. In 1728, she passed away in Rome and was credited with numerous miracles. She was canonized in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.    

St. Rose, obtain for us the grace to treat everyone equally and support the oppressed and marginalized without fail.

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Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.