Saint Rose was born to Spanish colonists and was known for her beauty, which was why she was nicknamed “Rose.” From an early age, Rose wanted to become a nun. She often prayed and fasted in secret. She performed daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and took daily communion. She marred her face in order to deter suitors. At age 20,she joined the Third Order of St. Dominic. She continued a life of extreme prayer, fasting and penance. On one occasion she burned her hands as a self-imposed act of penance,and on others would wear a crown with spikes. She predicted her death at age 31. Her funeral was a major event attended by all the city's authorities.
