Rose was born in Viterbo (Italy) in 1233. It was the time of the emperor Frederick II’s reign. Frederick II came into conflict with the pope, who excommunicated him. In response, Frederick began attacking the papal states. In 1240, he conquered the region of Viterbo, Italy.
Rose’s parents, Caterina and Giovanni, were of modest origins and raised the child in love and respect for God, following the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. When she was 8 years old, Rose fell ill and received a vision from Mary, who told her that she was to give her life to pursuing holiness just as St. Francis did. Mary told the girl that she was to take the habit of the Franciscans, but that she was not to live in a convent — she should stay at home and set an example by her words and deeds.
After she recovered, Rose took on the rough cloak of a penitent and continued to ponder this vision. When she was 12, she began preaching in the streets against Frederick’s occupation. At that time, the streets of the city lent themselves as a backdrop to bloody battles between rival factions.
Rose openly professed peace by going around the streets of the city with the Crucifix and other signs of piety. Rumors spread that she worked miracles as she spoke, and soon a crowd began to gather around her house.
The attention made Rose’s father nervous, and he forbade her from leaving the house under threat of a beating. “If Jesus could be beaten for me, I can be beaten for him,” she replied. “I do what he has told me to do, and I must not disobey him.”
For two more years, she continued to speak in public about the occupation. As her popularity grew, authorities called for her execution, but the city’s magistrate sent her and her family into exile instead. When Frederick died in 1250, the Vatican’s forces won the day and Rose and her parents moved back to Viterbo.
She continued to live with her parents, leading a life of prayer and service, but she died young, at the age of 17. Rose of Viterbo was canonized in 1457 by Pope Callistus III. The feast day is September 4.
Sources:
https://www.infoviterbo.it/la-storia-di-santa-rosa.html
Stained glass image of St. Rose of Viterbo is from Mary of the Angels Chapel in St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA, operated by Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.