Here is my post for the Evangelium Institute Blog on the Memorial of St. Rose of Lima.

Sometimes a saint exists as an example of what’s possible and not exactly as an example for us to strictly follow. St. Rose of Lima is one of these saints.

Born in Lima, Peru in 1586 to good parents of Spanish heritage and of modest means, by all accounts she was an attractive young lady who had a deep spiritual life inspired by St. Catherine of Siena. However, young Rose engaged in severe, self-imposed penances many of which were not good for her physical, emotional, or mental health, and she was told as much by not just family and friends but by several priests at the time. Nevertheless, what drove her was the deep desire to be close to her beloved Jesus.

Click here for the rest.