St. Rosalia

St. Rosalia was a 12th-century Sicilian saint and hermit, known for her miraculous intercession during a plague in Palermo. Her relics were paraded through the city in 1624, leading to the end of the epidemic. She is considered the patroness of Palermo and is venerated for her devotion, ascetic life, and miraculous powers.

St. Rosalia was born in Palermo, Sicily, during the 12th century to noble parents. However, she chose to live a life of solitude, retreating into the caves of Mount Pellegrino where she dedicated herself to prayer, penance, and ascetic practices. Very little is known about her early life, and many details about her birth and death are shrouded in mystery. It is believed that she lived in the caves as a hermit, possibly for the entirety of her short life, and passed away around the age of 30.

Her life remained largely unknown until the 17th century when a plague ravaged the city of Palermo in 1624. In desperation, the people of the city turned to St. Rosalia for intercession. The relics of the saint were retrieved from her cave on Mount Pellegrino and carried through the streets of Palermo in a grand procession. Miraculously, the plague began to abate after this event. This divine intervention led to widespread devotion to St. Rosalia, who was soon after declared the patroness of Palermo.

St. Rosalia's feast day is celebrated on September 4th, marking the day of her death. Pilgrims continue to visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia on Mount Pellegrino, where her relics are kept and where she spent her years in solitude. Over the centuries, St. Rosalia has been revered for her sanctity, dedication to prayer, and her miraculous powers of intercession, especially during times of illness or disaster.

The events surrounding her relics’ role in ending the plague elevated her status, and her canonization, while informal, occurred in 1624 when she was officially declared the patron saint of Palermo. To this day, the city holds a grand celebration in her honor every year, including a procession where her relics are carried through the streets, a tradition that has been in place since the 17th century. The devotion to St. Rosalia continues in Sicily, and she remains a significant figure in the religious and cultural life of the region.

Feast Day

4-9-

Birth Date

--

Died Date

--Around 1166-1170 (approximate)

Canonised Date

-9-1624

Caves of Mount Pellegrino, Palermo

St. Rosalia, Protector of Palermo and lover of God, Pray for us to grow in faith and holiness. Help us to live with courage and devotion, Following Christ with a pure heart. Amen.
ST. ROSALIA

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ST. ROSALIA

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