Saint Rose of Lima
04/28/2026 14:58h
Never let my hands be to any one
an occasion to temptation.
—
ISABEL DE FLORES
She was the joke of the angels—a girl
crazy enough for God
that she despised her own beauty; who grew bitter herbs
to mix with her food,
who pinned a garland of roses to her forehead;
and who, in a fury of desire
concocted a potion of Indian pepper and bark
and rubbed it on her face, neck, and breasts,
disfiguring herself.
Then, locked away in a dark cell,
where no reflection was possible,
she begged for death to join her with her Master
whom she called Divine Bridegroom, Thorn
in My Heart, Eternal Spouse.