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Saint Rocco Religious Medal
Patron: Invalids - Feast Day August 16th
Saint Rocco was
born of noble parentage about 1340 A.D. in Montpellier, France.
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. Saint Rocco, as pilgrim, departed for Rome.
At that time, Italy was stricken with a rampant disease. Saint 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.
Saint Rocco took refuge in a cave. Miraculously a dog 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 Saint Rocco. The nobleman had pity on Saint Rocco and brought him
to his castle where Saint Rocco was cured. Saint Rocco
traveled through
northern Italy for two or three more
years before returning to his birthplace in France.
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