PERU-RELIGION-SANTA ROSA OF LIMA

PERU-RELIGION-SANTA ROSA OF LIMA

Weekend visitors in downtown Lima take pictures at a water fountain on the edge of the Main Square the day thousands of believers visit the Santa Rosa of Lima (Saint Rose of Lima) sanctuary, during her anniversary festivities on August 30, 2014. Born in 1586, Santa Rosa of Lima was part of the Dominican order before she was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671 and became the first American saint. She is the patron saint of Lima since 1669, and of the New World and the Philippines since 1670. In addition, she is the patron saint of the National Police of Peru and of the the Argentine Armed Forces. Santa Rosa’s day is observed by Catholic followers worldwide. AFP PHOTO/CRIS BOURONCLE