The month of May is the month of Our Lady and includes the feast day of our Patroness, St. Rose Venerini, on May 7th. In this months article, I would like to recall and share about our Patroness and why we chose the name “Schola Rosa.”St. Rose Venerini labored lovingly and devotedly for the education of girls throughout Italy. Despite much difficulty, she started schools all over the country. Her goals were simple and humble: to provide a Christian formation and to prepare children for civil society. The Venerinite mantra years after her death was this: Educate to Save. This, indeed, is the slogan of Schola Rosa and can be seen in our logo as “docere ut salventur”! You can read the complete biography of St. Rose at the Vatican Library.
When we were brainstorming a name for the Schola Rosa: Co-op & Home Curriculum, we were asking St. Rose for particular intercession and inspiration as her goals were so very close to our hearts: “educate to save.” Therefore, we knew “Rosa” should be a part of the name. Remembering her goal to prepare students for society, the word “Schola” was not only chosen for its translation into “school,” but also in reference to the “schola” which would sing the mass. In the Schola Rosa curriculum, students learn to chant the parts of the mass in hopes that they can sing the mass for their local parish, preparing children for an active adult life in the parish.
The image of a rose was our final tribute to both St. Rose Venerini and the Blessed Mother Mary, in whose month we find our patroness.
May 7th marks the end of a Schola Rosa wide Novena to St. Rose Venerini, that she, through Christ, might lead the hearts and minds of those who need Schola Rosa to our program. If you were not praying the Novena yet, consider starting it on May 7th. Here is the prayer of intercession we wrote for this occasion each year:
Saint Rose Venerini, patroness of exiles and steadfast teacher of the poor and unlearned, who courageously taught in accordance with Holy Doctrine in the face of opposition and who humbly built schools and trained teachers all over your country, in confidence we ask you for special intercession as we pray to Our Lord for (name your intention). May you also obtain for us from Jesus and His Blessed Mother the Grace to whole-heartedly follow your words: I feel so nailed to the Will of God that nothing else matters, neither death nor life. I want what He wants; I want to serve Him as much as pleases Him and no more. Amen.
Most Sincerely,
Alecia Rolling
Founder, Schola Rosa