π️ Born: c. 1348 (trad. 1295)
π Birthplace: Montpellier, Kingdom of Majorca
⚰️ Died: 15/16 August 1376/79 (trad. 1327)
π Place of Death: Voghera, County of Savoy (or Montpellier)
π Venerated in: Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Aglipayan Church
π Canonized: By popular fervour; added to the Roman Martyrology by Pope Gregory XIV
π Feast Days:
• 16 August
• 17 August (Third Order of Saint Francis)
✨ Attributes: Wound on thigh, dog offering bread, pilgrim’s hat, pilgrim’s staff
⛪ Patronage:
Invoked against: cholera, epidemics, knee problems, plague, skin diseases
Patron of: bachelors, diseased cattle, dogs, falsely accused people, invalids, Istanbul, surgeons, tile-makers, grave-diggers, second-hand dealers, pilgrims, apothecaries
π Places of Devotion:
Sarmato, Altare, and Girifalco (Italy)
Pateros, Balubad, Lumban, Laguna, Cavite City, Caloocan, Cuyapo (Nueva Ecija), Cordova and Asturias in Cebu (Philippines)
“Defender of the sick, comforter of the afflicted, and companion of the poor.”
In the historic town of Montpellier, on the border of France, St. Roch—also known as Rocke or Rochus—was born into a noble family around the late 13th or early 14th century. His father, John, was a respected lord of Montpellier, descended from the illustrious house of France, and his mother, Libera, was a virtuous woman of noble lineage whose beauty was matched by her devotion to God. Despite their wealth and status, John and Libera lived humbly, dedicating their lives to serving Jesus Christ through prayer and charitable works. Yet, for many years, their hearts ached for a child to continue their legacy.
Their fervent prayers were answered when Libera, in a moment of deep contemplation, heard an angelic voice proclaim, “O Libera, God hath heard thy prayer, and thou shalt receive of him grace of thy petition.” Overjoyed, the couple conceived, and Libera gave birth to a son named Rochus, or Roch. Miraculously, the newborn bore a cross-shaped mark on his left shoulder—a divine sign that he was destined to be beloved by God. Libera herself nursed and cared for the child, raising him with love and devotion. Even as an infant, Roch displayed extraordinary piety, fasting alongside his mother twice weekly, taking milk only once on those days and appearing visibly joyful, a marvel to all who witnessed it.
A Youth Devoted to Penance and Obedience
As Roch grew, so did his commitment to a life of faith. By age five, he embraced penance, showing remarkable obedience to his parents. At twelve, he intensified his spiritual discipline, fasting regularly in devotion to Christ. The cross on his shoulder, a constant reminder of his divine calling, grew more prominent as he matured, symbolizing his deepening connection to God’s purpose.
When Roch was still young, his father, John, fell gravely ill. Sensing his approaching death, he called Roch to his side and entrusted him with four solemn responsibilities: to serve God diligently, to care for the poor, widows, and orphans, to manage the family’s wealth for charitable purposes, and to minister to the sick in hospitals. Roch vowed to honor these commands. After his father’s death, he buried him with honor, and soon after, at age twenty, he mourned the loss of his mother, Libera. True to his father’s wishes, Roch distributed the family’s wealth to the poor, comforted widows and orphans, and supported young women in need of dowries for marriage. Having fulfilled these duties, he resolved to leave Montpellier and embark on a pilgrimage to seek God’s will.
A Pilgrim’s Mission Against the Plague
Clad in a pilgrim’s habit, with a bonnet, scrip, and staff, Roch set out on a journey that would lead him to Rome. His path took him through perilous and plague-ridden lands, where his divine calling shone brightest. In the town of Acquapendente (referred to as “Water-hanging” in some texts), Roch encountered a devastating pestilence. Despite the risks, he tirelessly sought permission from Vincent, the hospital’s overseer, to serve the sick. Though Vincent hesitated, fearing for the young man’s safety, Roch’s persistence prevailed. Through the power of Christ’s name and the sign of the cross, Roch touched the afflicted, miraculously healing them and purging the hospital of the plague. He continued through the town, entering homes to bless and heal those suffering, delivering Acquapendente from the scourge.
Roch’s mission led him to Cesena, another Italian city ravaged by plague, which he similarly liberated through his prayers and touch. Upon reaching Rome, where the pestilence spared no household, Roch’s reputation as a healer grew. A cardinal from Angleria, struck by Roch’s holy presence, entrusted himself to the young pilgrim’s care. Roch marked the cardinal’s forehead with a cross, preserving him from the plague and leaving a visible sign of divine protection. Though the cardinal initially requested the mark’s removal to avoid spectacle, Roch urged him to cherish it as a symbol of Christ’s passion. The cardinal introduced Roch to the pope, who, witnessing a divine light emanating from Roch’s forehead, granted him full remission of sins. For three years, Roch remained in Rome, serving the poor and sick under the cardinal’s patronage until the latter’s death prompted his departure.
Miracles and Trials in a Time of Pestilence
Roch’s journey continued to cities like Armine and Manasem in Lombardy, where he tirelessly healed plague victims. In Piacenza, his dedication reached new heights as he served in the hospital, curing countless sufferers. However, his relentless service took a toll, and one night, an angel revealed to Roch that he, too, had contracted the plague. Accepting this trial with gratitude, Roch withdrew to a secluded corner of the hospital to avoid disturbing others with his suffering. When discovered, the citizens, fearing further contagion, expelled him from the city. Roch retreated to a nearby forest, constructing a shelter of boughs and leaves, where he prayed for God’s comfort.
In this wilderness, God’s providence shone through. A miraculous spring appeared beside Roch’s shelter, quenching his thirst and easing his fever. A hound, belonging to a nobleman named Gotard, began bringing Roch bread from its master’s table, a divine act of sustenance. Intrigued, Gotard followed the hound and discovered Roch, whom he recognized as a man of God. Despite Roch’s warnings about the plague’s contagion, Gotard resolved to stay, learning from Roch’s teachings and embracing a life of Christian service. When the hound ceased bringing bread, Roch urged Gotard to beg for alms in Piacenza, teaching him humility. Those who scorned Gotard’s begging soon fell victim to the plague, prompting Roch, despite his own illness, to return to the city and heal its inhabitants once more.
Imprisonment and a Holy Death
Restored to health by God’s grace, Roch continued his pilgrimage, eventually arriving in Angleria, Lombardy. Mistaken for a spy during a local conflict, he was imprisoned by the local lord, who was unaware that Roch was his nephew, the son of his brother, John of Montpellier. For five years, Roch endured confinement with patience, praying ceaselessly and viewing his imprisonment as a form of penance. As his life neared its end, a divine light illuminated his cell, witnessed by his keeper, who alerted the lord and citizens. Roch requested a priest for his final confession and asked for three days of solitude to contemplate Christ’s passion. On the third day, an angel announced that God had granted Roch’s prayer: those who invoked his name would be protected from the plague. With this, Roch passed away, his soul ascending to heaven.
A golden tablet, inscribed with divine letters, was found beneath Roch’s head, proclaiming his name and God’s promise of protection from pestilence. Two tapers burned miraculously at his head and feet, and the cross on his shoulder confirmed his identity as the nephew of the lord, who mourned his unrecognized kin. The citizens of Angleria buried Roch with great reverence, and a grand church was later built in his honor, where his canonization was celebrated.
A Lasting Legacy of Healing and Faith
St. Roch’s life, marked by selfless service and miraculous healings, earned him the title of the “Plague Saint.” His feast day, celebrated on August 16, the day after the Assumption of Mary, invites the faithful to seek his intercession against pestilence and epidemics. His relics and the churches dedicated to him, particularly in Montpellier and Angleria, remain places of pilgrimage. St. Roch’s story, translated into English by William Caxton, continues to inspire Christians to live with humility, charity, and unwavering trust in God’s providence. Let us pray to St. Roch for protection from disease and for the grace to follow his example of compassion and faith, aspiring to eternal life in heaven.
.
%20Virgin%20and%20Martyr.jpeg)
No comments:
Post a Comment