Saint Roch: Patron Against Epidemics, Patron of Pilgrims

In these times of great difficulty as the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to upset the lives of much of the world’s population, many Catholic faithful have begun to re-examine the lives of the saints, many of whom were commonly invoked for protection against pestilence, plague and illness.  Among the most beloved of these holy figures is Saint Roch, also known as Saint Roche, Roque, Rock and Rocco. 

Born in Montpellier, France in the late 13th to middle 14th century (the era and exact year is still debated) to a pious mother whom it was previously believed could not conceive children, the young Saint Roch had a birthmark of the form of a red cross on his chest.  By twenty years of age, he had lost both of his parents and had inherited the governorship of Montpellier through his father, but abandoned all his worldly inheritance and gave his wealth away to the poor.  Journeying to Italy in a time of plague, he became a perpetual pilgrim and both tender to and healer of the sick and infirm through his prayers and blessings, even saving a cardinal from death.  Expelled into the wilderness, he fashioned a crude hut and was joined by a dog who brought him bread to eat.  Eventually returning to Montpellier, he was detained by the civil authorities and died in prison.  Refusing to identify himself to his native countrymen out of fear of seeking glory, an angel was said to visit his body in prison and note that those who called in meekness upon Saint Roche to hear their prayers would be spared from pestilence.

The popularity of Saint Rock soon spread throughout Europe, and in a short time, Saint Roche was declared a saint, best known for being an intercessor against pestilence and for pilgrimages.  Saint Roch was and is particularly beloved in France, central Europe, and several regions of Italy.  He is depicted as a bearded pilgrim exposing his wounds or sores (sometimes bandaged, sometimes not), accompanied by his dog, and with pilgrim’s cloak, hat, staff and seashells.  

The Church of San Rocco in Venice is the principal shrines of Saint Roch, one of the most important patrons of Venice, which invoked him for protection against the plague. Built over three centuries, the church includes the relics of Saint Roch, which were transferred to it from the saint’s birthplace of Montpellier.  Both the church and an adjacent building, formerly the meeting-house of a lay association of noted citizens dedicated to Saint Roch known as Scuola Grande di San Rocco, are noted for their spectacular Renaissance art. 

The feast day of Saint Roch is August 16th, with some celebrating on August 17th.  Alongside defense against epidemics and disease and a patron of pilgrims, he is also a patron of surgeons, invalids, pharmacists, those falsely accused, and dogs. 

A Prayer to Saint Roch

O most merciful God

Who through an angel promised St. Roch

That whoever should invoke his name

Would be preserved from pestilence

And contagious diseases.

Grant that through his intercession we

May be preserved from all dangers,

Both of soul and body

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Be Not Afraid!

Good Shepherd Travel offers trips to Venice, Rome and Assisi as part of our pilgrimages to Italy. Lourdes, Fatima, Ireland, and many other destinations are among our most popular European programs. And of course, Jerusalem and the Holy Land. For more information on how to begin preparing for a pilgrimage in late 2021 and 2022, contact Tony AbuAita at Tony@goodshepherdtravel.com.  We will return to pilgrimage – and we hope to see you with us!