The Basics: Born about 1130 in Italy; died about 1160 in Italy; canonization date unclear; feast day, September 4. Hermit.
The Story: Rosalia, as with so many of the women saints of times past, rejected an arranged marriage by her parents, members of the noble class. But while she may have lived briefly in a convent, young Rosalia chose the life of a hermit from the age of thirteen or so 
onward. It is believed she lived in a cave not far from Palermo for a time, went home for a bit, and then finished out her life in another cave, dedicating herself to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to prayer.
Centuries later, in 1624, Palermo was struck by a plague. Rosalia appeared to people and said she would help the city if her bones were taken from the cave and processed through Palermo. Her request was honored; the plague ceased (even though some question whether the bones were hers). Various celebrations and observances occur each year in the area from July (when her bones were found) through the time of her feast day. Barefoot pilgrims walk the three miles from Palermo to Mount Pellegrino, the cave site.
What We Can Learn from Rosalia: Busyness isn’t the only way we serve the Lord… or inspire others. Spend an hour this week at perpetual adoration or in a chapel, communing quietly with God.?
To Learn More About Rosalia: Learn more about Rosalia at the site for her sanctuary in Italy. Or, check out information about the Festa di Santa Rosalia in Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst area, said to be the largest Italian-American annual festival in the United States.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
