St. Rose of Lima lived for a time with a devout family, whose home was the Maza mansion. These observant people collected a number of incidents in a diary, telling of unusual, even miraculous incidents during her stay. One such story involved a little bird, who came to the saint every day at sunset.

The children of the family noticed with pleasure that the bird came one evening to Rose. It perched near her, and chirped as she sang. Then, she gently dismissed her little visitor, and it flew away.

This touching little scene peaked their interest as it was repeated on a daily basis. It was remarkable to see the same bird return each day at around the same time - and for one reason, to sing along with Rose. For her part, whenever her little friend flew in, she paused whatever she was doing, sweetly greeted him, and began the song.

Naturally, this was something that the family enjoyed to watch. They took care to do it from a hidden place so Rose wouldn’t notice. They observed that the singing went on for nearly an hour. They didn’t recognize the lyrics, and so figured the devout young lady came up with them herself.

Tiny singer, flit your wings;
Bow before the King of kings.
Let your lovely concert rise
To Him who gave you songs and skies.
Let your throat, full of carols sweet,
Pour them before the Eternal’s feet
That we His praise may magnify
Whom birds and angels glorify.
I shall sing to Him Who saved me;
You will sing to Him Who made ye.
Both together, we shall bless
The God of love and happiness.
Sing, sing with bursting throat and heart!
In turn our voices will take part
To sing together, you and I
A canticle of holy joy.

When their time was ended, Rose kindly gestured to her feathered friend, letting him know he was free to leave. As the bird flew off into the horizon, Rose sang a little more.

The little bird leaves me;
My playmate’s wings ascend.
Blessed be my God, Who faithfully
Stays with me to the end.