St. Rose of Viterbo: Miracle Worker
On September 4, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Rose of Viterbo (1235-2352), miracle worker, Franciscan tertiary, and Virgin. She is the patron saint of exiles, teriaries, and those rejected by religious orders. Rose was born of poor and pious parents, in Viterbo, Italy. She entered the world at a time when Emperor Frederick II was oppressing the Church and denouncing the Papacy, in order to regain control of the “Roman Empire.” Pope Gregory IX excommunicated the heretic and war raged across Italy. Many were unfaithful to the Holy See. Rose was filled with grace from birth. Before she could walk, her parents would find her kneeling before Jesus in His tabernacle, praying before sacred images. At the age of three, she miraculously brought her aunt back from death by laying her hands upon her and calling out her name. At the age of seven, she professed her intention to live the life of a hermit, devoting herself to penance and fasting. At that time, Rose became very ill a...