Rose was born in Lima, Cordal, the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. She received the baptismal name Isabel Flores de Oliva. She was from a large family. Her father, Gaspar Flores, was a Spanish harquebusier (soldier armed with a small-caliber long gun), and her mother, Maria de Oliva, was born in Lima. She was personally confirmed by the Archbishop of Lima, Turibius de Mongrovejo. Her nickname "Rosa" was a testament to her holy ties. When she was a baby, a servant claimed to have seen her face transform into a rose, hence her name, "Rosa". In emulation of Saint Catherine of Siena, she fasted three times a week with secret severe penances. When she was admired, Rose cut off her hair against the objections of her friends and her family. Upon the censure of her parents, Rose disfigured her face with pepper and lye. She was very upset that she was so beautiful, and hurt herself to help others. Rose began to tell of visions, revelations, visitations and voices as her parents deplored her penitential practices more than ever. She spent many hours contemplating the Blessed Sacrament, which she received daily. She determined to take a vow of virginity in opposition to her parents, who wished her to marry. Daily fasting turned to perpetual abstinence from meat. Her days were filled with acts of charity and industry. Rose helped the sick and hungry around her community. She would bring them to her home and take care of them.