Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.



The words of Saint Rose of Lima, whose memorial is today. The first saint of the Americas, a Dominican and mystic, she was the daughter of Spanish parents who had emigrated to Peru. She is the patron of South America, particularly of Peru, and of the Phillipines.



Both of those countries have suffered sad and troubled recent histories, whether from the fury of nature or the depredations of men. Paulo wrote earlier this week, for example, on the 19th anniversary of the assassination of Benigno Aquino.



I've had repeated contact, to my great benefit and over many years, with citizens of both countries and have been borne up by their Christian witness and fellowship. It's good to think of saluting them in saluting her.