Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Instruments of Healing
Saint Roch
Layman († 1327) Feast: August 16
Catholics have called upon his help for many centuries and in many languages. To some, he is Saint Roch; to others he is Saint Rocco or Saint Rock. All agree that he was born in Montpellier, France, that he traveled to Italy, and that he cared for the sick. Other details are not so certain.
But in the 14th century, it was a common practice for devout Catholics to go on pilgrimage to Rome. Outbreaks of bubonic plague were also unfortunately common in the 14th century, when perhaps half of the European population perished from the Black Death. According to tradition, Roch was traveling as a pilgrim to Rome when he entered an Italian city and found many residents suffering and dying. Rather than running away in terror, the Frenchman chose to stay and care for those infected with the plague. After he had healed many people—some say miraculously—he traveled to the next city. When he contracted the plague himself, he hid in the forest, served by his faithful dog, until he recovered.
Roch later returned to his hometown, where he lived in obscurity until his death. Catholics have been begging for his intercession ever since, and not only for healing. Through his simple act of Christian charity, he also freed many people from fear of death or of dying alone.
Lord Jesus Christ, free us from all fear.
