St. Rose of Lima (1586-1617) was born Isabel Flores de Olivia to Spanish colonists in Lima, Peru. She was exceptionally beautiful and was nicknamed "Rose." According to legend, a servant had a vision in which her face turned into a rose. At her confirmation in 1597, she officially took the name of Rose.
From an early age, Rose wanted to become a nun. She often prayed and fasted in secret. She performed secret penances, some of which were painful and severe. She is often depicted wearing her heavy silver crown, with spikes that could pierce her flesh. The spikes reminded her of the Crown of Thorns. Rose performed daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and took daily communion.
As a young woman, her beauty began to attract suitors. To deter these men, Rose marred her face, rubbing it with pepper to make it blister. She cropped her hair short. Her parents opposed her plan to take a vow of chastity. This resulted in a clash of wills, because her parents wanted her to marry. Her father eventually relented and gave her a room to herself. Rose kept herself cloistered there, spending long periods in prayer. When she turned 20, Rose was permitted to join the Third Order of St. Dominic.
Rose died in on August 25, 1617, at the age of 31. According to legend, she accurately predicted the date of her death. Her funeral was a major event attended by all the city's authorities.
Pope Clement IX beatified her in 1667 and Pope Clement X recognized her as a saint, canonizing her in 1671. Her feast day is August 23 around the world, although some countries, like Peru, celebrate her on August 30.
St. Rose is the patroness of embroiderers, gardeners, florists, those who suffer ridicule for their piety, and people who suffer family problems.
The window was donated in memory of Louis and Celia Giacomazzi by their children.