Saint Roch

Biography

Saint Roch, also known as Roc, Rocco, Roche, Rochus, Rock, Rocke, Rollock, Rollox, Roque, and Seemirookie, was a French noble who developed a strong empathy for the poor and sick from an early age. He was reportedly born with the image of a red cross on his breast, symbolizing his future devotion to the service of others. After being orphaned at the age of 20, Saint Roch renounced his wealth and became a mendicant pilgrim, possibly as a Franciscan tertiary. During his pilgrimage, Saint Roch encountered an area afflicted with a devastating plague. He chose to stay and minister to the sick, performing miraculous cures by making the sign of the cross over them. However, in the process, he contracted the dreaded disease himself. Weighed down by his affliction, Saint Roch wandered into a forest, prepared to die. It was there that he was unexpectedly befriended by a dog, who miraculously provided him with food stolen from its master's table. Thanks to the dog's care and the providence of God, Saint Roch eventually recovered from the plague. Upon returning to Montpellier, France, Saint Roch was wrongfully accused of being a spy and was imprisoned for five years. Throughout his imprisonment, Saint Roch kept his noble lineage hidden and was cared for by a guardian angel until his death. He passed away in 1327, either in Montpellier or Angleria, France, from natural causes. Saint Roch is often depicted in traditional artwork as a pilgrim with a staff, frequently showing a plague sore on his leg. Other representations include depictions of him with an angel, a dog, or a dog carrying a loaf of bread in its mouth. These symbols signify his journey, his miraculous recovery aided by the dog, and his dedication to caring for the sick and needy. His relics are housed in several locations, including the church of San Rocco in Venice, Italy, Rome, Italy, and Arles, France. Saint Roch's intercession is sought by many, as he is the patron saint against cholera, diseased cattle, epidemics, knee problems, plague, skin diseases, and skin rashes. He is also invoked for relief from pestilence, protection of bachelors, falsely accused people, invalids, livestock, quarrymen, surgeons, tile makers, and more. Notably, he is the patron saint of Tagbilaran, Philippines, diocese of Drniš and Drniš Workers' Society in Croatia, and various locations in Italy. In addition to his widespread veneration, Saint Roch is honored in Albaredo d’Adige, Aprigliano, Arcola, Arquata Scrivia, Balzola, Barano, Berra, Bisegna, Butera, Candela, Canneto Sabino, Carbonara Scrivia, Casalnoceto, Castagnole Piemonte, Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Castiglione, San Michele Extra, Castropignano, Cella, Ovaro, Cereseto, Cernusco Lombardone, Cernusco sul Naviglio, Milan, Corvaro, Crodo, Dusino San Michele, Labico, Larciano, Lillianes, Locorotondo (since 1787), Lucera, Missanello, Orsogna, Oulx, Patricia, Ponte, Sessa Aurunca, Potenza, Pozzi, Ripacandida, Rocca Priora, Spilimbergo, Trebisacce, Valenzano, and Venice, among others. There are also churches and dedications in Asturias, Cebu, and Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines, as well as Suwalki, Poland, Constantinople, and Istanbul, Turkey. Saint Roch's life serves as a remarkable example of selflessness and compassion. His devotion to the sick and needy, despite his personal suffering, has made him a beloved figure throughout the centuries. His intercession is sought by many who face various afflictions, and he continues to inspire acts of kindness and care for those in need.