What Is Saint Roch The Patron Saint Of

The Story of St. Roch, Patron Saint of Dogs and Dog Lovers

Montpellier’s Saint Roch, also known as St. Rocco, was a nobleman who was the only son of the rich ruler of the city and was born in the city of Montpellier, France. He was born with an uncommon and deep red cross-shaped mark on his breast, a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary heard and answered his mother’s pleas for her barrenness to be healed. St. Roch (c. 1295–1327) was baptized on December 25, 1295, and died on December 27, 1327. As a youngster, St. Roch was extremely devout, fasting twice a week in imitation of his pious mother, who had set a good example.

Roch joined the Third Order Franciscans and donned the familiar pilgrim’s garb (a common practice of popular piety at the time), he set out on a pilgrimage to visit and pray at the holy places in Rome.When he arrived in Acquapendent, he found the town to be a thriving center of learning and learning to be He stayed for a while to care for the ill in both private homes and hospitals, putting his own life in danger in the process.

Instead of getting the extremely infectious sickness, St.

He maintained his philanthropic activity until the sickness was stopped from spreading further in the community, at which point he left to continue his trip through India.

  1. However, when his travels brought him to the town of Piacenza, he discovered that he had no longer been spared from the deadly disease, having contracted it in the leg.
  2. Fortunately, a nearby nobleman’s hunting dog came across him and became his companion, bringing him food on a daily basis and cleaning his wounds.
  3. Roch.
  4. As St.
  5. He refused to reveal his identify to the troops in order to maintain his anonymity and poverty, having rejected his former life as the governor’s son and therefore remaining destitute and unknown.
  6. He was suspected of being a snoop operating under the garb of a pilgrim.
  7. Roch chose not to defend himself against these claims, preferring to keep his genuine (and noble) identity a secret, and instead surrendered himself totally to God’s will.

In jail, according to tradition, St.

St.

Habig, O.F.M.: When he realized his time was running out, Saint Roch requested that a priest come and offer the final rites.

A tablet emerged on the wall as death took its first victim, and a heavenly hand inscribed in golden characters the name of Roch, along with a prophesy that anybody who invoked his intercession would be freed from the epidemic.

She recognized the dead guy as her grandson because he had a red cross on his breast, which she recognized as a birthmark.

His veneration was accepted by successive popes and quickly spread throughout Europe.

As a result of his patronage against infectious disease, St.

Several of these towns have designated him as their patron saint.St.

He is the patron saint of dogs, dog owners, knee problems, surgeons, invalids, bachelors, diseased cattle, and against cholera, plague, skin rashes and diseases, contagious diseases, pestilence, and epidemics.

His feast day is August 16 It was first published in August 2016 and has since been updated. The Catholic Company is a religious organization that provides services to the general public.

St. Roch – Saints & Angels

He was the only son of the rich governor of Montpellier and was hence known as St. Roch or St. Rocco. He was a nobleman from Montpellier, France, and was also known as Saint Rocco. He was born with an uncommon and deep red cross-shaped mark on his breast, a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary heard and answered his mother’s prayers for the healing of her barrenness. St. Roch (c. 1295–1327) was baptized on December 25, 1295, and died on December 27, 1327. The young St. Roch showed great devotion to God, fasting twice a week in imitation of his saintly mother.

Roch joined the Third Order Franciscans and donned the familiar pilgrim’s garb (a common practice of popular piety at the time), he set out on a pilgrimage to visit and pray at the holy places in Rome.When he arrived in Acquapendent, he found the town to be a thriving center of learning and culture.

  • Instead of getting the extremely infectious sickness, St.
  • It was only when the sickness was stopped from spreading further in the community that he decided to continue on his trek and stop his philanthropic activity.
  • However, when his journey brought him to the town of Piacenza, he discovered that he had no longer been spared from the deadly disease, having contracted it in his leg.
  • Fortunately, he was discovered and loved by a nearby nobleman’s hunting dog, who brought him food on a daily basis and licked his wounds to heal them.
  • Roch.
  • As St.
  • He did, however, raise suspicions by obfuscating the truth.

In order to keep his actual (and noble) identity a secret, St.

He was imprisoned by his own uncle, who failed to recognize his nephew’s changed look.

Roch was forgotten and abandoned—but God intervened and sent angels to care for him while he was imprisoned.

Habig, O.F.M.: When he realized that his time was running out, Saint Roch requested that a priest come and deliver the final sacraments.

Once inside, the priest noticed that the jail had been supernaturally illuminated and that the unfortunate prisoner was surrounded by an unusual amount of luminous light.

When Saint Roch’s uncle was informed of what had occurred, he arrived at the jail, and shortly after that, the governor’s mother, who happened to be Roch’s grandmother, also arrived.

A spectacular burial was held in his honor, and his remains was entombed in a church that was erected in his honor.

Later, in 1414, during the Council of Constance, the plague erupted in Rome for the second time.

Roch was a highly revered saint in the late Middle Ages, especially in the Italian towns where he exercised his healing powers, and the plague was finally brought under control by the Council Fathers, who arranged for prayers and public processions in his honor, following which the plague was brought to an end.

Rochis is often depicted as a pilgrim with a walking staff and seashell (the symbol of a pilgrim), an open sore on his leg, an angel by his side, and a dog at his feet.

His feast day is August 16th. In August 2016, it was first published online. The Catholic Company is a religious organization that provides services to the Catholic community in the United States and across the world.

Story of St. Roch — St. Roch

Sick people and invalids are protected by the patron saint of sick people and invalids, Saint Roch. In 1295, he was born in Montpellier, France, to a wealthy family who raised him. In accordance with tradition, Saint Roch was born with a red cross on his chest as a birthmark. He became a member of the Franciscan Order and donated his money to the less fortunate. While residing in Italy, he contracted the plague while tending to the ill, and as a result, he was forced to leave the area. He was sick and famished until a hunting dog came upon him and began bringing him bread on a daily basis.

  1. Following his recuperation, Saint Roch went to his hometown of Montpellier, France.
  2. In the end, he died on the ground, spread out on the ground and after receiving the Last Sacraments, after five years in jail.
  3. Throughout his life, Saint Roch was reported to have performed several healing miracles for the sick.
  4. He is always depicted with a canine companion.

St. Roch, Patron Saint of Dogs

From around 1295 until 1327, St. Roch resided in France, Spain, and Italy. He is known as the Patron Saint of Dogs. On the 16th of August, he is commemorated as a saint. Saint Roch is also the patron saint of bachelors, surgeons, individuals with disabilities, and those who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes, among other things. His life of faith is profiled here, as is a look at the dog miracles that believers claim God did through him.

Famous Miracles

Many of the bubonic plague victims for whom he was treating while they were ill were miraculously healed, according to those who witnessed it. Even though Roch had caught the grave sickness himself, he was miraculously cured thanks to the loving care of a dog who volunteered to assist him. While Roch was recovering, the dog visited him repeatedly, licked his wounds (each time, they healed more), and brought him food until he was entirely recovered. As a result of this, Roch is now considered to be one of the patron saints of dogs.

People all across the globe who have prayed for Roch’s intercession from heaven, pleading with God to heal their dogs, have reported that their canines have occasionally recovered as a result of their prayers.

Biography

His parents were affluent, and by the time he was 20 years old, both had passed away. Roch was born with a crimson birthmark in the shape of a cross to wealthy parents. He subsequently gave up the riches he had inherited to the underprivileged and dedicated the rest of his life to helping those in need. As Roch moved about the country ministering to people, he came across a large number of individuals who were suffering with the terrible bubonic plague. As recounted, he attended to as many sick individuals as he could, and many of them were miraculously cured by his prayers, physical contact with them, and tracing the cross over their bodies.

  • However, a hunting dog belonging to a count spotted Roch there, and as the dog licked Roch’s wounds, they began to heal magically.
  • When Roch looked back on the experience, he realized that his guardian angelhad also assisted him, leading their healing process between Roch and the dog.
  • Roch was able to fully recover over a period of time.
  • When Roch returned home to France, where a civil war was raging, he was mistook for a spy and imprisoned.
  • Susi Pittman writes in her book Animals in Heaven?
  • that there are “animals in heaven.” “The saint and his dog cared for the other prisoners for the next five years, during which time he prayed for them and shared the Word of God with them until the saint’s death, which took place in 1327.

For their beloved dogs, Catholic dog owners are invited to seek the intercession of Saint Roch in the form of a petition. A dog with a loaf of food in its jaws is shown with Saint Roch in sculpture, dressed as a pilgrim and accompanying him on his journey.”

Why is St. Roch the patron saint of dogs?

His parents were affluent, and by the time he was 20 years old, both of them had passed away. Roch was born with a red cross birthmark on his forehead. Afterwards, he handed his inheritance to the destitute and dedicated the rest of his life to helping those in need. During his travels across the country, Roch came across numerous people who were suffering with the fatal bubonic plague. As stated, he attended to as many sick individuals as he could, and many of them were miraculously healed by his prayers, physical contact with them, and tracing the cross over their bodies, according to legend.

  • A hunting dog belonging to a count came across Roch in the woods, and as the dog licked Roch’s wounds, they began to heal very immediately.
  • When Roch looked back on the experience, he realized that his guardian angel had also assisted him, leading their healing process between Roch and the dog.
  • Roch was able to fully recover after some time.
  • In France, where a civil war was taking place, Roch was mistook for a spy upon his return home.
  • Among the things Susi Pittman writes in her book Animals in Heaven?
  • is: “The saint and his dog cared for the other prisoners for the next five years, during which time he prayed for them and shared the Word of God with them until the saint’s death, which occurred in the year 1327.
  • For their beloved dogs, Catholic dog owners are invited to seek the intercession of Saint Roch in the name of their religion.
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Saint Roch: The Patron Saint of Montpellier

Saint Jude, Saint Francis, Saint Mary, to name a few. There is little doubt that there are certain Catholic saints who are more well-known in our modern culture than others, and this is true for both men and women. So, what about St.

Roch, you ask? He’s probably someone you’ve never heard of before. With the exception, of course, of those who have visited the ancient city of Montpellier in France, where he is known as the patron saint. But why Saint Roch in particular? Continue reading to find out more about this topic.

What is his History?

In common with all of the saints of the Catholic Church, Saint Roch has a rich and colorful past, during which he exhibited wonderful attributes for which he is still respected today. We’ll go over some of the most important facts and figures regarding Saint Roch, including his life and activities, as well as why he got recognized as both the patron saint of dogs and the patron saint of the city of Montpellier in France. Let’s get this party started.

Who is Saint Roch?

If you’re anxious to learn more about St. Roch and the tale that helped him become so well respected, you’re not alone in your desire to do so. Let’s take a look at some of the most important Saint Roch facts, starting with the 14th century. Saint Roch, who was born in Montpellier about 1348, lived through the Black Plague, which affected many people throughout Europe at the time. Around the year 1368, he came to Italy, where the Plague had been wreaking havoc on people’s lives and had already claimed a large number of victims.

  1. Eventually, Saint Roch became afflicted by the Black Plague, just like everyone else.
  2. He eventually made his way into the forest, where he built himself a makeshift shelter out of branches and foliage to keep himself secure from harm.
  3. Saint Roch had resigned himself to dying in his temporary home, having become infected while attempting to treat a large number of patients.
  4. A nobleman, Count Gothard Palastreslli, owned the dog, and he brought Saint Roch bits of food that he had stolen from his master’s dinner table.
  5. In addition, the dog began licking Saint Roch’s Plague-related wounds, which resulted in their healing.
  6. Afterward, he was appointed as the Saint’s acolyte and began to serve him as he gradually but steadily regained his vigor.

TheDeathofSaint Roch

His recovery from the Black Plague, on the other hand, would quickly become irrelevant. He returned to Montpellier, his hometown, in a state that was unrecognizable, and was promptly apprehended on suspicion of being a spy. Following his arrest, he spent the next five years wasting away in prison until succumbing to his injuries on August 16, 1376. He was roughly thirty years old at the time. He would never divulge his identity to his captors because he desired to eschew earthly fame and instead live as a pilgrim as part of his genuine religious dedication rather than seek worldly recognition.

If he had identified himself while in custody, he would very certainly not have suffered the same end. The canonization of Saint Roch (the designation of him as a saint) and the construction of a huge cathedral in his honor occurred as a result of this somber understanding.

Why is hethePatron SaintofDog s?

As you might expect, after being saved from certain death by a dog, Saint Roch established a strong bond with the animal. It is for this reason that he is now renowned as the patron saint of dogs. Apart from that, there are other prayers to Saint Roch dedicated to dogs that are recited today by dog lovers and dog owners for the well-being and protection of their pets.

Why is he thePatron Saint of Montpellier?

After been spared from certain death by a dog, it is understandable that St. Roch established a deep bond with the animal. He became renowned as the patron saint of dogs as a result of his association with the breed. Apart from that, there are other prayers to Saint Roch dedicated to dogs that are recited today by dog lovers and dog owners for their well-being and protection.

What’s left ofSaint Rochtoday?

Saint Roch is still revered today, more than 700 years after his death, both in his hometown and in the cities and towns where he journeyed around the region. Even today, if you know where to look, you may still uncover physical and cultural signs of the patron saint’s presence.

Vestiges ofSaint Rochin Present-DayMontpellier

You’ll discover remnants of Saint Roch all across Montpellier, including a chapel dedicated to the saint. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most well-known among them.

TheTrain Station(Gare Saint RochdeMontpellier)

Most people who have booked a rail ticket to Montpellier will have travelled through the Gare Saint Roch at some point in their journey. Montpellier’s main railway station is advantageously placed in the centre of the city, making it a handy stop for travelers. It was given this name in honor of the city’s patron saint.

The Church (Église Saint RochdeMontpellier)

The Église Saint Roch, a splendid neo-gothic Catholic church dedicated to the patron saint of the city, is a 10-minute walk from the railway station and worth a visit. Despite the fact that development on this historical landmark has persisted throughout time, it was officially launched in 1860. Within the church is a massive marble statue of Saint Roch, which may be seen by visitors. Quartier Saint Roch is a neighborhood named for the saint that is located just adjacent to this building.

The Neighborhood (Quartier Saint RochdeMontpellier)

The Saint Roch district, located in the centre of Montpellier, is divided into four sections by four boundaries: the streets, the river, the park, and the university. Rue Saint GuilhemandGrand-Rue Jean Moulin are located on the east and west sides of the city, respectively, and the streetsRue de l’Ancien CourrierandBoulevard du Jeu de Paume are located on the north while south sides of the city, respectively. In addition to taking up a significant portion of the pedestrian zone in the ancient city center, it also has some of the top restaurants in the area.

The Historically-LocatedSaint Roch Statue

Finally, the wooden Saint Roch monument at the intersection of the streets Rue du Pila St Gély and Rue de l’Aiguillerie is possibly the most awe-inspiring reminder of Saint Roch that can be seen in Montpellier. A wooden figure of Saint Roch can be seen on the corner of a building, perched high above the ground. The plaque behind the monument, which reads:« According to legend, it was here that the impoverished Roch, fatigued after his journey back to Montpellier, sat on a seat and was caught.

According to legend, it was here, in this same site, that Saint Roch was apprehended upon his return to his birthplace. On your next visit to Montpellier, you’ll be able to stroll directly through a real, historic place that hasn’t changed in seven centuries!

About St. Roch – Patron Saint Article

St. Roch was born in 1295 to a noble family in the French town of Montpelier, where he is said to have been born with a red cross image on his breast. He was orphaned at the age of 20 and embarked on a trip to Rome, where he provided care for plague victims. When Roch became ill with the plague, he was helped to recover by a dog that stole food from his master’s table and gave it to him. As a result of this, he was designated as the patron saint of dogs. Roch then worked miracles to alleviate the suffering of the stricken.

He never declared that he was the son of the former governor, as he should have done.

Roch, also known as Roque in Spain and Rocco in Italy, was venerated as a patron saint of invalids and was the subject of a popular cult that grew out of accounts of miracles he performed for plague victims.

His feast day is celebrated on August 16.

Shop St. Roch Medals and Rosaries

Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to disrupt the lives of a large portion of the world’s population, many Catholics have turned to the lives of the saints, many of whom were commonly invoked for protection against pestilence, plague, and illness during times of great difficulty. Saint Roch, also known as Saint Roche, Saint Roque, Saint Rock, and Saint Rocco, is one of the most revered of these saintly figures. In the late 13th to middle 14th centuries (the exact year of his birth is still debated), Saint Roch was born in Montpellier, France, to a devout mother who, according to tradition, was unable to bear children.

  • By the time he was twenty years old, he had lost both of his parents and had inherited the governorship of Montpellier through his father, but he had abandoned all of his worldly possessions and had given up all of his fortune to the less fortunate.
  • Being sent into the forest, he built a primitive shelter and was joined by a dog who gave him some bread to eat to keep him going.
  • Because he refused to identify himself to his original countrymen for fear of pursuing fame, an angel was supposed to have visited his corpse in jail and made a notation that anyone who called upon Saint Roche in humility would be spared from plague if they called in meekness to Saint Roche.
  • Saint Roche is most remembered for his role as an intercessor against disease and as a patron saint of pilgrimages.
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With his dog at his side, as well as a bearded pilgrim revealing his scars or sores (some of which are bandaged, others which aren’t), and wearing pilgrim’s clothing and accessories like as his hat, staff, and seashells The Church of San Rocco in Venice is one of the most prominent shrines dedicated to Saint Roch, who is considered one of the most important patrons of the city, which asked him for protection during the plague in the 13th century.

Located within the church, which was constructed over three centuries, are the relics of Saint Roch, which were moved to it from the saint’s birthplace of Montpellier.

Saint Roch’s feast day is celebrated on August 16th, with some people commemorating on August 17th. In addition to being a patron of pilgrims and a protector against epidemics and sickness, he is also a patron of surgeons, invalids, pharmacists, persons who have been wrongfully accused, and pets.

A Prayer to Saint Roch

I thank you, O most merciful God, who promised St. Roch that anyone who invoked his name would be protected from pestilence and contagious diseases through the intercession of an angel. Grant that, by Christ our Lord’s intercession, we may be protected from all perils, both spiritual and physical. Amen.

Be Not Afraid!

As part of our pilgrimages to Italy, Good Shepherd Travel provides excursions to the cities of Venice, Rome, and Assisi. Lourdes, Fatima, Ireland, and a number of other places are among the most popular European destinations on our itinerary. And, of course, there’s Jerusalem and the Holy Land to consider. Please email Tony AbuAita [email protected] if you would want additional information on how to begin preparing for a trip in late 2021 and early 2022. We want to return along the pilgrimage route — and we hope to see you there!

Saint Roch Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kidsSaint Roch
Pilgrim
Born c. 1348(trad.1295)Montpellier, Kingdom of Majorca
Died 15/16 August 1376/79Voghera, County of Savoy (trad.1327, Montpellier)
Venerated in Catholic Church(Third Order of Saint Francis)Anglican Communion Aglipayan Church
Canonized by popular fervour; added to theRoman MartyrologybyPope Gregory XIV
Majorshrine San Rocco, Venice, Italy
Feast August 16, August 17 by the Third Order of St. Francis
Attributes Wound on thigh, dog offering bread, Pilgrim’s hat, Pilgrim’s staff
Patronage Sarmato, Altare e Girifalco, Italy. Invoked against: cholera, epidemics, knee problems, plague, skin diseases. Patron Saint of: bachelors, diseased cattle, dogs, falsely accused people, invalids, Istanbul, surgeons, tile-makers, gravediggers, second-hand dealers, pilgrims, apothecaries, Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalookan

In Venice, there is a tomb dedicated to St. Roch. Saint RochorRocco (c. 1295–c. 16 August 1327) was a Christian saint who lived from 1295 to 1327. On the 16th of August, we commemorate his death. He is a patron saint of those who are afflicted by the plague. He is also known as the Patron Saint of Dogs and the Patron Saint of Falsely Accused People.

Life

According to his stories, Roch was born around 1295 in the French city of Montpellier. His chest was marked with a red cross when he was born. His ancestors were well-to-do. As a young man, he was a devout follower of religion. He made the decision to live the hermit’s life. He gave away everything he possessed to help the less fortunate. At the age of twenty, he embarked on a religious journey to Rome. At the same time, the plague struck the country of Italy. While in Italy, he made several stops in communities to care for the sick.

  • He completed his trek to the city of Rome.
  • He made the decision to take shelter in the forest alone and wait for his death to come.
  • Every day, according to legend, a dog would bring him bread.
  • His tales differ on what transpired beyond that point.
  • According to another story, he returned to France but was apprehended for being an aspy.
  • For the reality of Saint Roch, there is scant historical evidence to support his existence.
  • His feast day is celebrated on the 16th of August.

Images for kids

  • Saint Roch, in the Vatican’s Pinacoteca
  • Saint Roch
  • Saint Roch, Palmi
  • Saint Roch’s burial place, the Church of San Rocco in Venice, Italy
  • Saint Roch, Scilla, Calabria
  • Statue of Saint Roch, Blá Hora, Prague (1751)
  • Saint Ro

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Saint Roch or St Roque

Inalmost every church in the Languedoc you will find a representationof a saint who is relatively little known elsewhere. Heis Saint Roch, a confessor who was born around 1295 andwhose death is commemorated on 16 August. He is speciallyinvoked by the Catholic faithful against the Bubonic Plagueand other infectious diseases. Like so many saints, Roch was not a real person, his biographyis a reprocessed version of an older story about someoneelse. Most of the traditional information about him, stillbelieved by some, comes from Church legendslike theLegenda Aurea, which do not represent reliablehistory.According to hisActaand hisvitainLegendaAurea, he was born atMontpellier,about 1295, the son of the Governor of that city, born ofan Italian mother. According the same source he showed markedsanctity from an early age – for example suckling his motherin time to her religious fasting regime.Around the age of 20, on the death of his parents, he distributedall his worldly goods among the poor and set out as a mendicantpilgrim. Arriving in Italy during an epidemic of plague,he helped tend the sick in the public hospitals at Acquapendente,Cesena and Rome, and is said to have effected miraculouscures. At Rome he cured the cardinal of Angleria (the pope’sbrother) by making the mark of the cross on his forehead.He cured cattle using the same technique.
AtPiacenza he fell ill with the plague himself – thefirst signs of which were buboes appearing in thegroin. He was expelled from the town; and withdrewinto the forest, where he made himself a hut, whichwas supplied with water by a spring that miraculouslyappeared. He would have starved had not a dog belongingto a man named Gothard brought him bread every day.Gothard, following his hunting dog that carried thebread, discovered Saint Roch and became his follower.Thanks to this series of miracles Roch survived andrecovered his health.On his return incognito toMontpellier Roch was arrested as a spy by order of his own uncleand thrown into prison, where he languished five yearsand died on 16 August 1327. Only when he was deaddid the townspeople recognised him (by a birthmark).Soon, he was credited with continuing to work miraclecures against the pestilence, and he was soon canonised.Almost identical stories were related about numerousother saints.
SaintRoche is the Patron Saint of:
plaguecholeraepidemicsrelief from pestilenceskin diseasesskin rashesknee problemsdiseased cattledogsfalsely accused peopleinvalidssurgeonsbachelorstile makers

As San Rocco, he was elevated to the status of patron saint of the Italian city of Potenza. It was decreed that public processions and prayers for the intercession of St. Roch be held in 1414 when the Council of Constance was threatened by theplague. His worship extended over Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, and Germany, where he was frequently interpolated into the roster of the FourteenHoly Helpers, whose reverence grew in the wake of the Black Death and spread throughout Europe. In different parts of the world, he is known by a variety of names: In addition to Roch, he is known by the names Rochus (Latin), Rocco (Italian), and Roque (Occitan, Spanish, and Portuguese):; Rock (English), and Rollock (American English) (inScotland) The end of the Black Death was credited to St.

In the centuries after the Black Death and subsequently the Plague, the inhabitants of the Languedoc lived in terror of a resurgence of the disease.

Medical discoveries have enabled us to bring the Bubonic plague and other comparable diseases under control today, after they claimed the lives of so many people throughout the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

However, many individuals, particularly AIDS sufferers among the faithful, continue to turn to St Roch in hopes of obtaining a miracle. The sculptures of Roch that may be found in Languedoc churches and on the sides of buildings are easily recognized. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

  • Often, he is depicted in the clothing of a bearded pilgrim, complete with pilgrim’s cap and staff, and other times, he is depicted with sea shells of St Jacques of Compostella, which might be deceptive. He lifts his pilgrim’s robes to expose a little wound on his thigh that he had previously concealed (rather than on his less modest groin whichwould be more medically accurate as this is where buboesfirst appear). He frequently gestures to the buboe in order to identify himself more clearly
  • He is followed by a dog that has a loaf of bread in its jaws, which is typically represented as a bread bun

The major train station of Montpellier, as well as a city chapel and a number of squares and streets, are all named for St. Roch. The procession of Saint Roch (also known as Saint Rocco) is seen in the film The Godfather Part II. The plague (Fr Peste) ravaged not just the Languedoc but also Provence and, fact, the entire continent of Europe during its time. It was, however, particularly prevalent in the area surrounding the Gulf of Lyon, probably as a result of the favorable weather. For additional information about the plague and its history in Provence, please visit the website www.beyond.fr, which will open a new window to the website Beyond the French Riviera.

A plague wall (Mur de la Peste) was constructed across the countryside to keep the plague at bay.

For further information on the plague wall, visit the website www.beyond.fr, which will open a new browser to the website Beyond the French Riviera.

Saint Roch wearing his pilgrim’soutfit
Saint Roch pointing out his modestlyplaced buboe
Saint Roch’s Canine Companion witha bread bun in his mouth
Saint Roch at Rennes-le-Château Damaged Saint Roch at St-Martin’s,Limoux

Who is the patron saint of pandemics? It may not be who you think…

During times of pandemics, we turn to the patron saint of pandemics for protection and spiritual direction to help us get through the ordeal safely. Many people mistakenly believe that he is Saint Corona, but in reality he is Saint Roch, orSan Rocco in Italian. The painting Saint Roch Heals the Animals by Il Tintoretto is located in the San Rocco Church in Venice.

​Who is Saint Roch?

It is believed that St. Roch was born about 1295 in Montpellier, France, which is located near the Mediterranean Sea. His birth was hailed as a miracle because his mother had been unable to conceive a child for several years. During his early years, he had a red cross birthmark on his chest, which increased in size as he developed. As the city’s governor, his father occupied a position of authority and influence in the community. When his parents died, when he was approximately twenty years old, the young Roch had no desire to assume his father’s post and instead transferred the position to his uncle, who assumed the role.

  • The plague was sweeping across Italy at the time, and the young Roch devoted his time, energy, and prayers to the treatment of those who had been infected in the hospitals where he was working at the time.
  • While ministering to the sick inPiacenza, he became ill himself, and as a result, he was exiled from the city and had to take refuge in the forest.
  • Roch ultimately recovered and spent several years traveling around northern Italy.
  • He was given a public burial, which was the setting for a slew of miracles, when his identity was discovered by some papers inscribed in gold and left on him by an angel.
  • Roch are venerated in Venice, and the Church has created an arch-confraternity in his residence, which is open to the public.

On the 16th of August, he is commemorated with a festival. Feast Day is on August 16th. Its meaning is that the rock is the patron saint of pandemics, skin diseases, the plague, cholera, and infirms.

​How do you​ invoke Saint Roch’s intercession?

Saint Roch is invoked in the event of a pandemic to intervene on our behalf. We require his protection and spiritual guidance in order to navigate through the challenges produced by these events as a group.

​Prayer to Saint Roch

O Great Saint Roch, I salute you. We beseech you to save us from the miseries of this world; by your intercession, we beseech you to protect our bodies from contagious diseases and our souls from the contagious sickness of sin. Purify the air for us, but above all, purify our hearts, and aid us in making the most of our health, in bearing pain with patience, and in following your example by living a life of penance and compassion, so that we may one day share in the bliss that you have earned through your virtues.

Hirten 2020 is the owner of the copyright.

​How can I invoke Saint Roch’s Intercession?

It should go without saying that praying to Saint Roch, who is the patron saint of pandemics, is the most effective means of enlisting his help in this endeavor. Either with the prayer outlined above or with another prayer that you may have in mind. It is during such pandemics that the virus or bacteria gains a foothold and multiplies, hence increasing the need for additional prayer. We can accomplish this on our own, of course, but sometimes we need the collective strength of the people, so the more the number of people who pray for his intercession, the greater the strength to combat the pandemic will be in order to defeat it.

St. Roch, Patron of the Sick

During the epidemic of the early 14th century in Italy, St. Roch (also known as St. Rocco and St. Rock) was credited for curing a large number of victims. He was born in Montpellier, France, and was distinguished not only by his human lowliness and charity, but also by God’s own tremendous sign, which he carried with him. Having grown up as the governor’s son, Roch was bound for greatness in the world. However, after his parents died when he was 20 years old, rather of assuming his father’s position, power, and riches, he donated his possessions to the needy, transferred the governorship to his uncle, and proceeded to Rome dressed as a beggar.

  1. When Roch saw numerous people who were stricken by the plague on his route to Rome, it is no surprise that he cured them by making the sign of the cross over them.
  2. He returned to Montpellier after his recuperation, but because he did not want his identity to be revealed, he kept to himself and was mistaken for a spy.
  3. As a result of St.
  4. Novena St.
  5. When you were on this planet, your power was so strong that many people were healed of their illnesses just by making the sign of the Cross.

Offer God our sighs and tears, and he will provide us the health that we so much desire. Through the merits of Christ our Lord. Amen. (3) times (repeat the previous three times). Saint Roch, please intercede for us so that we may be protected from all ailments of the body and the spirit.

Saint Roch: The Burlesque Saint of Bad Knees and (Maybe) Pilgrims

One of the most lovely aspects about walking the Camino de Santiago (the Chemin de Saint Jacques) through France is that virtually all of the churches and chapels are open all of the time, which is a rare occurrence in Europe. To my regret, the majority of the churches in Spain were either closed or demanded an entry price. It is understandable to the rational side of me that, with a ten-fold or greater increase in the number of pilgrims and a difficult economy, the care and maintenance of an open chapel along theCamino Franceswould be much more difficult than along theVia Podiensis.

  • However, it is not the goal of this discussion.
  • In every spare area, there are depictions of them in the windows, on the walls, and in the windowsills.
  • You may note that a specific saint appears frequently among the statues and paintings.
  • He’s clothed in the manner of a pilgrim, complete with cloak and floppy hat, and sometimes even the scallop shell of St.
  • However, he is not Saint James.

Saint Roch ” data-medium-file=” data-large-file=” src=” alt=”19564001422 d6b232a30a z” data-large-file=” src=” alt=”19564001422 d6b232a30a z” data-large-file=” src=” alt=”19564001422 d6b232a30a z” srcset=”640w,150w,300w” sizes=”(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”> Saint Roch and his instantly identifiable thigh.

  1. Because, no matter how simple or sophisticated his presentation, Saint Roch is always, always raising his robe and flashing his (generally well-muscled) leg to the audience.
  2. It took some time for me to figure out what was going on (and in English).
  3. However, here’s how it works: Saint Roch was most likely a nobleman from France around the early fourteenth century.
  4. He was twenty when both of his parents died, and he gave up his inheritance and his standing in the society, sold all of his goods, and embarked on a journey to Rome to commemorate their deaths.
  5. In Italy, Roch made many pit stops to care for the ill and dying, frequently curing people miraculously by the use of his hands or the sign of the cross.
  6. At some point, Roch became infected with the plague and was forced to flee into the woods to die.
  7. After that, a dog—the hunting dog of a nearby nobleman—began bringing him bread on a regular basis.

(At least now we know why he’s usually accompanied by a dog).

Roch was miraculously cured and was able to travel to France, where he was apprehended by his uncle, who did not recognize him and accused him of being a saboteur.

Five years later, while still in jail, he passed away.

Everywhere we went, I was on the lookout for him.

For this reason, or perhaps because of his trademark floppy hat and walking staff, many people see Saint Roch as the patron saint of pilgrims, despite the fact that credible Church sources identify Saint James as the patron saint of pilgrims himself.

Therefore, if you’re going into one of those steep French valleys, remember to keep him in mind.

Alternatively, you may visit one of his churches and simply admire his problem-free knee. The cloister museum of Santo Domingo dela Calzada contains a statue of Saint Roche, his dog, and his magnificent thigh.

St. Roch – Saint of Dogs

What was the identity of St. Roch? It is believed that Saint Roch (c. 1295-1327) was a nobleman from Montpellier, France, and the only son of the city’s rich governor. His other name was St. Rocco, however we were unable to determine whether this was related to the popular dog name. What exactly does it mean to be a patron saint, and how does one become one? A patron saint is someone who protects and/or guides individuals who are named after him or her. Obviously, dogs aren’t the only thing that St.

  • There are a number of additional things that St.
  • You do not automatically obtain the title of Patron Saint of Dogs simply because you are a wonderful person, although it certainly helps.
  • Roch, who lived during the time of the bubonic plague, was credited for healing a large number of the disease’s victims.
  • Therefore, he was unsurprised when he became the victim of the terrible virus himself.
  • The wounds on St.
  • He was hungry, so the dog gave him some bread to help him fill his tummy.
  • We’re sure we’re not the only ones who would feel like we’d missed out on something if we didn’t take a companion pet vacation.
  • Roch is celebrated on two different days: August 16 in the United States and September 9 in Italy.
  • For example, in Florence, a flower festival, a costume parade, races, and competitions are all part of the festivities.
  • Roch with festivities that include traditional dances performed in his honor.

Ready for Trivia?

You’re now prepared to take home the prize at the next dog trivia night. If you’re ever in need of additional dog facts or information on anything dog-related, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff at Wag N’ Wash. With our companion pet specialists on your side, you’ll be in excellent company!

St. Roch, The Patron Saint of Dogs

It was because of the loving care that a dog provided that St. Roch was designated as the Patron Saint of Dogs. Saint Roch was born in the 14th century as the only child of a wealthy French nobleman, and he was marked with a crimson birthmark in the shape of a cross on his breast when he was born. After the deaths of his mother and father, Roch abandoned his nobility and bequeathed his property to the poor when he was 20 years old. He subsequently embarked on a trip to Rome, where he cared for those who were afflicted by the plague and performed miracles such as curing many by the sign of the cross.

In the midst of his suffering, a hunting dog belonging to a count came upon him and immediately began to care for him.

Following his discovery of what his dog had been up to, the count liked Roch and agreed to let him retain the dog.

He was accompanied by his dog.

The two of them spent five years in jail, where Roch died while providing care for other inmates.

100 years after his death, Roch was formally named a Saint by Pope John Paul II. With a loaf of bread in its jaws, the dog has become Saint Roch’s symbol, appearing with him in practically every painting or monument of the saint.

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