Saint
Rocco was born of noble parentage about 1340 A.D. in
Montpellier, France. At birth it was noted that he had a
red cross-shaped birthmark on the left side of his chest.
As a young child, San Rocco showed great devotion to God
and the Blessed mother. At an early age, his parents died
leaving him an orphan under the care of his uncle, the
Duke of Montpellier. Soon after, San Rocco distributed his
wealth among the poor and took a vow of poverty.
San Rocco dressed in the clothes of a pilgrim and
departed for Rome. At that time, Italy was stricken with a
rampant disease. San Rocco cured many of this dreaded
disease by praying for them and making the sign of the
cross.
During his travels, he too contracted the plague
which was evident by an open sore on his leg. Rocco was
banished from the city and took refuge in a cave. Here he
slept on leaves and drank water from a small stream.
Miraculously a dog that refused to eat, faithfully brought
him bread as a means of sustenance. The dog used to leave
a nearby castle and the Lord of this castle having a
curious nature followed this dog into the woods and
discovered Rocco. The nobleman had pity on Rocco and
brought him to his castle where Rocco was cured.
San Rocco traveled through northern Italy for two or
three more years before returning to his birthplace in
France. So weak and sick from suffering, the townspeople
did not recognize him and he was thrown into jail as a spy
without any proof. But yet he was kept in prison for five
years. On August 16, 1378, a guard entered his cell and
found San Rocco near death. The dungeon was illuminated
with a blue light radiating from his body. Upon hearing
this, the Governor demanded to know San Rocco's identity.
San Rocco faintly replied, I am your nephew Rocco. Only
one thing could prove that, so he had him disrobed and the
red cross-like mark was visible on the left side of his
chest. The Governor and the townspeople present in the
cell then believed. A voice from paradise was heard
announcing that San Rocco's soul had merited immortal
glory in Heaven. Even after his death, San Rocco performed
many miracles.
Saint Rocco is venerated in the Roman Catholic
Church as the protector against the plague and all
contagious diseases. The statue of Saint Rocco is
considered unique among theologians because of his pose.
It is most unusual because it depicts him with his left
hand pointing to an open sore on his left leg. Few images
of saints expose any afflictions or handicaps. His body is
enclosed in a glass tomb in the church of San Rocco in
Venice, Italy. We commemorate the death of this great
follower of Christ on August 16th of each year.
