Saint Rosalia was born around 1130 into a noble Norman family in Sicily and left a life of privilege to live as a hermit, finally settling in a cave on Monte Pellegrino overlooking Palermo, where she devoted herself entirely to prayer until her death around 1166. In 1624, during a terrible plague in Palermo, her relics were discovered on the mountain and carried through the city, and the plague's end was attributed to her intercession. She has been venerated ever since as the beloved patroness of Palermo.
Rosalia shows us that a hidden life, unseen by the world, can shine with love for God and bear fruit for others long after it ends. Her quiet faithfulness in solitude reminds the grieving that prayer offered in silence is never wasted, and that God keeps close those the world has lost sight of.
Saint Rosalia, faithful friend of God in the silence of the mountain, pray for us and for all we love who now rest in Him, that we may trust His care in every hidden hour. Amen.