SAINT OF THE DAY

TUESDAY, 16 AUGUST, 2022

SAINT ROQUE (ROCH)

CONFESSOR

(1295 - 1327)

Tradition recalls that Roque was born around 1295 to the rich family of the Governor John and his wife Libera in Montpellier, France. His birth was considered a miracle because his mother was barren until she prayed for a miracle to the Virgin Mary and Roque was conceived. It is said that Roque had a red birthmark in the shape of a cross on his chest.

Governor John died when Roque was 12 and his mother died when he was 20. Even though Roque inherited his parent's fortune he joined the Franciscan order soon after his mother's death and distributed his wealth and possessions among the poor. He then handed the government of Montpellier to his uncle.

Roque then set out as a mendicant pilgrim heading towards Italy during the epidemic of the bubonic plague. He stopped along the way to care for plague victims at Acquapendente, Cesena, Rimini, Novara and Rome, and is said to have effected many miraculous cures by prayer and the sign of the cross and the touch of his hand.

While ministering at Piacenza he himself finally fell ill. He left the town and went into the forest. He made a hut in which to live even though he expected to die.

Two miraculous events then happened: a spring arose near his hut to supply fresh water and a hunting dog would bring him bread daily and lick his wounds, thus healing them.

The dog belonged to a nobleman named Count Gothard Palastrelli who one day followed his hunting dog to the hut where he discovered Saint Roque and became his acolyte (assistant novice).

After his recovery Roque returned incognito to Montpeillier in France. Upon arriving at Montpellier he refused to disclose his identity because he wanted to avoid worldly glory (being the son of the former governor and nephew of the present one). Because of his refusal to identify himself he was taken for a spy in the disguise of a pilgrim and cast into prison by order of the governor his uncle. He died in prison five years later.

The miraculous cross on his chest as well as a document found in his possession revealed his identification. He was accordingly given a public funeral, and numerous miracles attested his sanctity.

Saint Roque is known as Rocco in Italy and San Roque in Spain, he is patron saint of the sick and invalids and of dogs. Worldwide the faithful offer prayers for intercession to San Roque.

PATRON: Bachelors; cholera; diseased cattle; dogs; epidemics; falsely accused people; invalids; knee problems; plague; relief from pestilence; skin diseases; skin rashes; surgeons; tile makers; Barano, Italy; Castropignano, Italy; Constantinople; Istanbul; Orsogna, Italy; Patricia, Italy.

PRAYER: Lord God, you teach us that the commandments of heaven are summarized in love of you and love of our neighbor. By following the example of Saint Roque in practicing works of charity may we be counted among the blessed in your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. Amen.