Rocco And His Dog

St. Roch / Rocco

St. Roch (d. 1327) was born in Montpellier, France, the son of the city's governor. He was born with a red cross on his chest, a sign that the Blessed Virgin had answered his mother's prayer to heal her barrenness. As a child St. Roch fasted twice a week after the example of his mother.

When he was 20 years old his parents died; he then gave his wealth to the poor and handed the government of the city over to his uncle. Disguised as a pilgrim he set out for Italy. He came to a city badly stricken by the plague and stayed to help the sick. He cured many people simply by making the Sign of the Cross over them. The same thing happened at every plague-infested area that he passed through on his way to Rome.

When he reached Piacenza he himself contracted the disease in his leg, and he awaited his death in a remote forest hut. Providentially, a Count's hunting dog befriended him, brought him food, and licked his wounds. A spring arose nearby providing fresh water. The Count, one day following his dog, discovered and befriended the saint.

Slowly St. Roch's health was restored, after which he returned to his native Montpellier. He refused to disclose his identity so that he could remain poor and unknown, for which he was cast into prison by his uncle under suspicion of being a spy. He died in prison five years later. His identity was then discovered by the mark of the red cross on his chest.

At his funeral many miracles attested to his sanctity, and a church was erected for his veneration.

St. Roch is the patron of dogs, surgeons, invalids, bachelors, and against plaque and pestilence.

His feast day is August 16th.