St. Rose of Lima, Peru - was the first saint of the Americas, a devout member of the Dominican Third Order from Peru known for her piety, social work, and extreme penances. - Born in 1586, she is the patron saint of Peru, South America, and the Philippines. - Despite her family's opposition, she lived a secluded life of prayer, caring for the poor, and mystical experiences - She dedicated much of her life to helping the poor and the sick. Portrayed and reimagined by: Bohol Girl #paradeofsaints #

A Halloween costume I made for a poor girl ended with us side by side IN FRONT OF THE ALTAR, years later. ______________________________ As a retired teacher (63M), Halloween at school was always lively: glitter, outfits, excitement everywhere. Kids played superheroes, vampires, princesses… then Ellie appeared. Wearing gray pants and a simple white shirt, hair unkempt and shoulders dropped, she tried to make herself invisible. One boy snickered first. "WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO BE, UGLY ELLIE?" h