Rose of Lima became the first person born in the Americas to be canonized, in 1671.
Born Isabel Flores de Oliva in Lima in 1586, she was nicknamed Rose after a servant reportedly saw her face transformed into a rose-like appearance. She later took the name Rose and joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic, choosing a life of prayer, fasting, and care for the sick and poor.
Rose lived in the Viceroyalty of Peru and spent much of her religious life at home rather than in a convent. She supported herself through work, including embroidery and gardening, while using her income to help people in need. Her reputation for holiness spread during her lifetime and after her death in 1617.
Pope Clement X canonized Rose in 1671. She is widely regarded as the first canonized saint from the Americas and is the patron saint of Peru, the New World, and the Philippines. She should not be confused with Martin de Porres, another major Peruvian saint.