September 4: Saint Rosalia of Palermo

Today, September 4, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Rosalia of Palermo (1130-1166), also called La Santuzza or "The Little Saint,” Virgin of the Church. Rosalia is the patroness of Palermo, Italy, and her feast is celebrated twice each year by the citizens of that city to this day. Saint Rosalia is credited with delivering Italy from the plague, and also in interceding in innumerable miraculous cures. She committed her life in service to the Lord, and through her sacrifice, mortification, and penance, lived a holy life and brought many blessings to those she encountered.

The Holy Legend of Saint Rosalia suggests that she was born in Palermo at the court of Roger II, king of Sicily. Her father was Sinibald, Lord of Roses and Quisquina, and a descendant of Charlemagne. In her youth, she was drawn to the Lord, and committed herself to him wholly, desiring to live in perfect union and remain chaste. Despite her wish, Rosalia developed into a beautiful girl, and attracted much attention and many suitors. She came to realize that her physical appearance constituted a danger to her soul, and following a vision of the Blessed Virgin, determined to leave the world and live in seclusion. At the young age of just fourteen, Rosalia took her crucifix, her discipline, and a few books and left her father's castle by night. Two angels, one armed like a knight, the other disguised as a pilgrim, escorted her to the summit of Mount Quisquina. There they left her at the entrance of a grotto hidden among the trees, buried under the snow. In this secluded grotto was a cave, and upon the walls of her cave, Rosalia wrote: "I, Rosalia, daughter of Sinibald, Lord of Roses and Quisquina, have taken the resolution to live in this cave for the love of my Lord, Jesus Christ." She remained there entirely hidden from the world.

After several months of contemplative seclusion, angels returned to warn Rosalia that her parents were searching for her. Seeking to avoid detection, she fled to the top of Mount Pellegrino, from which she could view her parents’ home. There, she lived a life of penance and mortification, praying daily, and being nourished only by the Eucharist, for the remainder of her life. Saint Rosalia died in her thirties, and her body—which her parents never stopped searching for—was not found until the 17th century.

In 1625, during the outbreak of the Black Plague, a hermit had a vision of Saint Rosalia, who instructed him to search for her remains. A group of monks, led by the hermit, did as she requested and found the cave on Mount Pellegrino where she had died. Discovered, sheathed in rock crystal, the relics of Saint Rosalia are treasured and numerous miracles have been attributed to their presence. Her remains were paraded through the streets, and the plague ended shortly thereafter. Saint Rosalia was credited with ending the suffering of the plague, and her feast days was raised to the rank of a holy day of obligation by Pope Pius XI in 1927, for local observance. The traditional celebration of Rosalia still occurs today. It lasts for five days and is celebrated by a procession of unequalled magnificence, heralded by cannon fire. The saint's shrine, atop a gigantic carriage filled with musicians, is drawn through the town by forty mules, accompanied by prayers, hymns, and acclamations. Fireworks and near constant trumpeting honor the saintly holy woman credited with saving the region from certain death.

Along with these celebrations, Palermo's enthusiasm for Santa Rosalia has not ceased. Both of her hermit caves have been turned into devotional chapels. Her relics themselves repose in the Chapel of Saint Rosalia in the Palermo cathedral. Her sarcophagus, made of pure silver, weighs over 1400 pounds and is only exposed to public view on three liturgical occasions during the year.

Almighty God, every good thing comes from you. Fill our hearts with love for you, increase our faith, and by your constant care protect the good you have given us. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Year 2: Day 247 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Willingness to deprive ourselves of worldly desires to better serve the Lord.
Requested Intentions: For the healing of impaired vision (F); For a couple experiencing difficulties (L); Successful employment after finishing college (M); Mother’s health (A); Financial security, freedom from anxiety (S); For a son and cousins (L); Peace and civility (B); Successful examination results (D); Safety of family, strength, courage, wisdom (C); For the souls of a departed father and brother, finding of a suitable marriage partner (R); Successful pilgrimage, deepening of prayer life (R); Restoration of health (J); Restoration of health (S); Freedom from pride (A); For children and marriage (M); For the birth of a healthy baby (Y); For personal family intentions, for the sick, poor, hungry, and homeless (G); Financial security and peace (J); Grace, peace, and obedience to the will of God in a marriage (H); Successful and blessed marriage for sin, freedom from anxiety for husband, spiritual contentedness for family (N); Employment and health for a husband (B); Recovery and health of a mother (J); For a family to grow closer to the Church, salvation for all children (D); Successful employment (L); Successful employment (S); Renewal of faith life (A); Support for an intended marriage, health for friend and aunt (J); Mental health assistance for son (G); Freedom from illness (S); Successful employment (C).