St. Rose of Lima Mural at St. James Academy

Having St. Rose of Lima as the female patron saint for SJA athletics makes me think of how our female athletes are not afraid to sacrifice for the good of each other/ the team. St. Rose of Lima was known to be very beautiful and she was also known to have A LOT of grit in her perseverance for relationship with the Lord, this makes me reflect on how our beautiful SJA female athletes are known to push one another on and off the field, to grow in virtue, holiness, athleticism, and academically (and in communion with each other). We all strive for different feats in athleticism, but all have a common end goal in mind: Heaven. - Ashley Nelson

~~~St. Rose of Lima is such an inspiration for all female athletes because she shows persistence and humility. St Rose of Lima inspires me to not only work hard for what I want, but work hard when no one is watching and not strive for the validation of others, but instead use my talent and gift of athleticism to glorify God. St Rose of Lima was known to wear a heavy silver crown, with spikes that could pierce her flesh. Her crown of thorns reminds me of the mental strength required to be an athlete due to outside pressure to perform at a high level and never mess up. However, pressure is not always a bad thing. St Rose of Lima wore her crown as a symbol of strength, and she shows all female athletes what it means to be strong in tough times, and she inspires me to never give up on what I want and to fight for my goals. St Rose of Lima struggled, and she endured a lot of pain as a sacrifice for God. She shows all athletes how sometimes being a leader means doing things we may not want to do in order to reach our goals and to make those around us better people, and athletes. St Rose of Lima is such an inspiration, and to have her as our patron saint for SJA female athletes inspires me to work hard, persevere, and always play for the Glory of God. - Kendal Radke
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St. Rose of Lima is for girls who seek to be firm in spirit and strong-minded. 

We remember St. Rose for her piety: despite what society wanted from a girl of her exceptional beauty, she made her own choice. She took a vow of chastity. She prayed. She fasted. She performed radical penance in secret.

As a young girl turning the pages of my Illustrated Book of Saints, I remembered St. Rose for her fortitude. I was struck by how she ran along the path she knew she was called to, despite being told that her only purpose in life was to sit back and be beautiful. St. Rose used her divine femininity for a Higher Purpose.

I am beyond thrilled that the sisterhood of SJA has chosen St. Rose of Lima as the Patron Saint of Female Athletics. I pray that, when we look upon her image, we are reminded that:
Femininity is the perseverance of spirit.

Femininity is the strength of mind and will.

Santa Rosa de Lima,

Ruega por nosotras

- Natalie Astoquilca-May