Since early in the morning pilgrims of all ages have flocked to the shrine of St. Rose of Lima in Peru's capital city to cast their letters into the traditional wishing well and say a prayer as part of the celebrations honoring the Catholic saint.
Visitors show their great devotion and wait in long lines hoping to get a miracle and thank her for the miracles she has done, mainly in terms of health.
The Municipality of Lima estimates that some 25000 are expected to reach the sanctuary today.
The main entry on Callao St. is aimed at those seeking to drop their letters into the well.
Another entrance door lies on Tacna Ave. This one is for disabled people and seniors and also for devotees wishing to attend the mass at the church.
About 600 municipal guards are being deployed onto the streets and squares of downtown Lima to monitor the activities planned on the occasion of this special feast day.
Saint Rose of Lima was the name given to a seventeenth-century lady who lived in Lima, Isabel Flores de Oliva, who felt a great religious vocation and spent her life caring for the sick and enduring harsh penitence to resist sin.
Saint Rose of Lima is the first Catholic saint of the Americas and patroness of Peru, Latin America, and the Philippines.
Santa Rosa de Lima — as she is known to Spanish speakers — is considered the patron saint of police and nurses as well.
Even though she did not belong to a religious order, her good nature earned her fame while she was alive. After her death, veneration of her figure spread out, not only in Peru but also in the Philippines.
The Archbishop of Lima, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, is celebrating a special Mass in her honor outside the Cathedral of Lima in the presence of several government officials and authorities.
Commemorative activities kicked off on Monday when her sacred relics were carried in procession by the National Police.
(END) LIT/RMB
Published: 8/30/2016