A peppery penance
St Rose of Lima is renowned for her piety and chastity. She was born in 1586 in Lima, to Spanish Colonists, and named Isabel Flores de Olivia. Due to her beauty she was nicknamed Rose, and at her confirmation in 1597 she officially adopted the name.
From an early age she wanted to become a nun, and often prayed and fasted in secret. She took up penances which were painful and severe, and spent hours every day adoring the Blessed Sacrament. She was a daily communicant.
In order to deter suitors she marred her face, rubbing it with pepper so it blistered, and cut her hair short. Her parents wanted her to marry, but eventually they relented.
