Saint Rosalia of Palermo, Virgin - Died 1160

Rosalia is the patron saint of Palermo. She is said to have fled the pampered life of a member of the Norman aristocracy on Sicily and taken refuge in caves on Mount Pellegrino, moving from one to another to keep ahead of her family, with the help of two angels.

Because of her life as a hermit, St. Rosalia is sometimes shown with a crucifix and skull. Because of her name, she is often shown crowned with roses.  In the picture at left, the pilgrim's staff in her hand may refer to her peregrinations on Mount Pellegrino.

Feast day: September 4

At left, "Santa Rosalia Virxe" - Museum of the Church of San Paio, Santiago de Compostela

Another image:
"Santa Rosalia Virxe" - also in the San Paio museum

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