Lima through the eyes of Santa Rosa and San Martín de Porres

When one walks through the streets of Lima (Peru), the warm culture of its people and the country’s traditions are immediately evident.

There is good food in each corner, European influence on its architecture, people laughing, tourists fluttering with the main squares and a lot of Catholic influence.

Yes, it can be said that Latin America is known for its strong Catholic traditions, rooted in its rich history with the Spaniards; However, when a city produces two influential saints for the Catholic Church, it is quite evident that Catholicism is much more than only tradition or influence in that vibrant city.

Here are some prominent moments of my recent one -week trip to Lima.

The church of San Sebastián welcomed two souls that would eventually achieve holiness. The Church of San Sebastián is an important historical place with a rich history that dates back to 1554. It is the third parish founded in Lima. Santa Rosa de Lima, whose birth name was Isabel Flores de Oliva, was taken to this nearby church to be formally baptized by Fr. Antonio Polanco, shortly after his birth, on April 20, 1586.

San Martín de Porres lived near. He was born on December 9, 1579. The exact date of his baptism is unknown, but the customs of the time indicate that he was baptized shortly after his birth.

San Martín de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima lived in front of each other. They shared a deep friendship, because their link was deeply rooted in spirituality. They supported each other in their religious efforts, and Santa Rosa regularly attended Mass in the chapel where San Martín served as Dominican brother. He often helped him with prayers and penances. His friendship was based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to serve the poor and sick, united by their unwavering devotion to God. Today, his mortal remains rest together in the convent of Santo Domingo in Lima, testimony of his lasting spiritual connection.

Mysticism in relation to Catholicism is not something new. As wrote Francesca Pollio Fenton in an article for Catholic News Agency about San Martín de Porres:

“Levitated and bilocated. Martin was a deeply devout man, so much that many brothers saw him levitate in intense prayer and embrace the crucified cross. It is said that Martin also possessed the gift of bilocation, and some of his contemporaries claimed to have found him in places as distant as Japan, even while remained in Lima. Some claimed that they had appeared supernaturally after closed doors or in impossible circumstances.”

Santa Rosa de Lima was also known for being a mystique. He had visions of our Lord and the Blessed Virgin, and Satan appeared to him in a dog. The visitors of Museum, located in the sanctuary built in his home houseThey will learn about these biographical data, as well as many of the miracles that occurred during their lives and then.

Santa Rosa knew the Dominican devotion to the Child Jesus as “the sweet name of Jesus and his very sacratic heart.” He spoke with Jesus since his childhood. Santa Rosa saw images come alive. The Child Jesus came to life and taught him the catechism and how to cure the sick, which led her to take care of them. Therefore, in Lima, the Child Jesus is known as the “Doctorcito de Santa Rosa”.

The faith of Santa Rosa focused on his devotion to the body and blood of Christ through the Eucharist. He enriched his life with daily prayer and communion, deepening his spirituality. He commissioned a crucifix for his bedroom, as the museum explains in written and pictorial descriptions about his mysticism.

Every night, Santa Rosa prayed to this crucifix; And, according to tradition, this statue of Jesus on the cross became life, as the tour guide also explained, adding that the blood sprouted from the wound of the spear on the side of Jesus, and Santa Rosa literally drank the blood of Christ. The representation of Jesus crucified is over 400 years old and is now known as the “lord of the favors.” Visitors of the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa de Lima can see this miraculous artifact closely.

The love of Santa Rosa for her Catholic faith led her to a deep admiration for Santa Catalina de Siena, whom she adopted as a special patron.

Santa Rosa had a particular affection for Dominican spirituality and a deep reverence for Our Lady of the Rosary, integrating these elements into their daily spiritual path.

During his life, Santa Catalina de Siena had a vision of Our Lord, who gave him two crowns: one of roses and another of thorns. He asked him to choose the one he wanted. Santa Catalina replied: “I wish, Lord, live here always according to your passion, and find in pain and suffering my rest and delight.” With this, he chose the crown of thorns. However, it can be said that this vision connects it with Santa Rosa, who is always represented with the crown of Rosas.

Santos de Lima, pray for us!

Editor’s note: This article is a translation of a publication Claudette Jerez in the National Catholic Register blog. The opinions expressed in this article correspond exclusively to its author.