Before 1624, Santa Rosalia (1130-1166) was a little-known, medieval-era saint. Her story is often compared to Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) because she too was the daughter of a Norman nobleman, who rejected a life of privilege and instead sought a life devoted to prayer and solitude. During her lifetime, Palermo and Sicily experienced an intense spiritual transition from the Byzantine and Arab dominations to the Norman Christian rule: There was turbulence politically and culturally. Although little is known about her canonization, it is believed she was sainted because her exemplary lifestyle brought a sense of inspiration and stability to Catholic worshipers.
