Novena to St. Rose of Lima: A Prayer for Those Waiting, Hoping and Trusting

August 14, 2026: What do you do when you have a prayer that you have carried in your heart for a long time? Do you keep asking, even when the answer seems far away? The life of St. Rose of Lima offers a beautiful reason to remain faithful in prayer. Known for her deep love for Christ, her life of prayer and her care for those in need, St. Rose continues to inspire people who turn to her intercession.

Who was St. Rose of Lima?

Born Isabel Flores y de Oliva in Lima, Peru, in 1586, St. Rose of Lima dedicated her life to God from a young age. She became a member of the Third Order of St. Dominic and took St. Catherine of Siena as a model for her spiritual life. Her life was marked by prayer, contemplation and a deep devotion to Christ.

Her decision to follow a life devoted to God did not mean withdrawing from the needs of others. St. Rose helped her family during financial difficulties and cared for poor and sick people. She also used her skills in embroidery and other work to contribute to her family's livelihood. Her life brought together prayer, sacrifice, work and service.

A saint who knew suffering

St. Rose's journey of faith also included suffering and spiritual trials. Her relationship with Christ was shaped by prayer and contemplation, even during periods of profound spiritual difficulty. Rather than turning away from God, she continued to place her life in His hands.

Her witness can speak particularly to anyone who comes to prayer carrying a difficult intention. A novena does not require you to have everything figured out before you begin. It gives you the opportunity to bring what is already on your heart into prayer and to ask for the intercession of a saint whose own life was centred on Christ.

Bring your intentions to prayer

Perhaps there is something you have been praying about for months. Perhaps there is a concern involving your family, a decision you are struggling with, or simply a desire to grow closer to God. The beginning of this novena can be a moment to bring that intention before the Lord through the intercession of St. Rose.

St. Rose's life also reminds us that prayer was never separated from love for others. Her care for the poor and sick was part of the life she offered to God. As you pray the novena, her example can encourage you to look beyond your own intentions and remember those who may also need prayer.

St. Rose of Lima died on August 24, 1617, at the age of 31. She was canonised by Pope Clement X in 1671, becoming the first person born in the Americas to be canonised. She is honoured as the patroness of Peru, the Americas and the Philippines. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on August 23.

The novena to St. Rose of Lima begins today and leads up to her feast on August 23—begin these days of prayer with the intention closest to your heart and ask St. Rose to intercede for you.

Click here to pray the Novena.