Mummy Monday: Saint Rosalia

Welcome back to Mummy Monday! Last week, we discussed the mummies of the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo. Today, we will take a look at the patron saint of Palermo, Saint Rosalia. Also known by the names "La Santuzza" or "The Little Saint", this woman was born into a noble family that claimed to have been descendants of Charlemagne himself. She was devoutly religious and lived as a hermit in a cave on Mount Pellegrino. She is said to have been led to the cave by two angels. She died in this cave in 1166, leaving behind her bones and an inscription on the cave wall that read, "I Rosalia, daughter of Sinibald, Lord of Roses, and Quisquina, have taken the resolution to live in this cave for the love of my Lord, Jesus Christ." In 1624, she is said to have appeared to a hunter during a time when a plague was upon Palermo. She ordered the hunter to collect her remains from her cave and to take them to Palermo to be carried in procession throughout the city. The hunter did as he was told and carried her remains around the city three times. Afterward, the plague ended and Saint Rosalia was venerated as the patron saint of Palermo. A sanctuary was built in the cave where she had lived.

A painting of Saint Rosalia hangs above her altar in Palermo.

Mummies Profile: Saint Rosalia

The silver altar of St. Rosalia.

Lived: From 1130 to 1166.

Sex: Female

Occupation in Life: Hermit

Status: Patron Saint of Palermo, Italy

Age at Death: 36

Cause of Death: Unknown

Societal Importance in Death: An annual celebration and feast is held for her in July. This is one of the major social and religious events held in Palermo. A related event is held annually in September and involves a tradition of walking barefoot from Palermo up to Mount Pellegrino.

When Students Will Meet This Mummy: During the second week of the field school.