Heroes of Latin America Rosa de Lima Peru, South America 1586-1617

Rosa de Lima Born Isabel Flores de Oliva to a Puerto Rican father and an Incan mother in Lima, Peru Her parents were poor, so she worked in the garden all day and sewed at night to help support her family She would sell her flowers from her garden at the market She sewed beautiful lace and embroidery and sold it to help the poor Isabel was sick a lot A servant once saw Isabel’s face turn into a rose, so she began to have the nickname “Rosa”

Rosa de Lima Rosa was so beautiful, people would stop what they were doing and stare at her! Rosa was deeply in love Rosa chose to remain a virgin

Rosa de Lima She joined one of Dominic’s communities but continued to live with her parents At the time, gold and silver was discovered in Peru, but the Spanish had it shipped back to Old Spain. The Spanish were exploiting the natives, who were oppressed and poor Rosa was aware of the situation and decided to help her people. She spoke out fearlessly against this exploitation of the poor She set up a room in the house where she cared for homeless children, the elderly, and the sick Many people disapproved of what Rosa was doing, but … This was the beginning of Social Services in Peru

Rosa de Lima Spain and many other Latin American countries celebrate Rose’s life on August 23rd . Peru observes a public holiday on August 30th in her honor. Rosa is the patroness of those who have family problems Santa Rosa de Lima Claudio Coello Oil on canvas Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain

Rosa de Lima Questions to answer: How do you think Peru would be different if Rosa never existed? Predict what would happen. Can you relate to any of Rosa’s struggles? What can you learn from her life? What other ways could Rosa’s story be interpreted? Rosa did not like the attention she received for her beauty. How do you interpret this? What do you think the Spaniards who were exploiting the natives for money thought of Rosa? Rosa faced a lot of opposition and went through many difficulties, yet she continued to respond to the greatest needs around her. Why do you think she did this? How did Rosa live out greatness?