Saint Rosalia - September 4

"Unfortunately, we know little of the life of Saint Rosalie (or Rosalia). In a sense, the story of her life begins almost five hundred years after her death.

In 1625 the city of Palermo on the Island of Sicily was suffering a period of plague. Saint Rosalia appeared in a vision to a hunter near a cave just outside of the city. Based on the vision the hunter went into the cave and discovered her remains. The following inscription was carved into the wall:

"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."

Her relics were paraded through the streets of the city and three days later the plague miraculously ended. Her intercession was credited with saving the city and she was declared the Patroness of Palermo.

Sinibald, Lord of Roses, and his wife, Quisquina were believed to be descendants of Charlemagne, the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. They were prominent citizens in Palermo during the Twelfth century.


It is believed that Rosalia left her life in Palermo to live alone in the mountains practicing penitential acts so as to live in closer communion with God. She died in the cave around 1160 AD. Most statues and pictures of St. Rosalia have her dressed in the habit of the Basilian Order but there is no proof that she ever entered into an Order, a monastery, or other religious community prior to residing alone in the cave." (Text taken from Saint Rosalie Church, Good Ground, New York) 

In Monterey, California there is a three day festival, the Festa Italia Fisherman's Festival which honors local fishermen of Monterey past and present.  This year the 83rd festival will take place starting September 9th, 2016 in Custom House Plaza. On Saturday the 10th Mass is at 10:30am at the San Carlos Cathedral Church on Church Street in Monterey.  A parade and procession begins following Mass from the Cathedral to Custom House Plaza where there will be a blessing of the Monterey fisherman's fleet. 

For devotional items related to the Catholic Faith please visit Lynn's Timeless Treasures 
_____ Saint Rosalia Statue at Fisherman's Wharf Monterey California - LA Momboisse