24/10/2024
๐ฆ๐๐กฬ๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฆ๐๐ก ๐ฅ๐ข๐ค๐จ๐
San Roque was the only son of a governor from Montpellier, France. He was born with a red birthmark on his chest in the shape of a cross, a sign of the fulfillment of his motherโs prayer to the Blessed Virgin for her healing from barrenness.
From a young age, San Roque demonstrated deep faith in God, inspired by the example of his mother. At the age of twenty, he was left completely orphaned and inherited the wealth of his parents. He distributed all of it to the poor while his uncle took over as governor of their town. Consequently, he chose to live as a pilgrim.
As a traveler, San Roque visited various places in Rome. When he arrived in Aquapendente, near Viterbo, he learned that a plague had struck the area. Despite the danger to his own health, San Roque served the people, healing many sick individuals by making the sign of the cross over them. Through his efforts, he saved the town of Aquapendente from the threat of the plague. He performed similar healings in every town he visited.
However, when he reached the town of Piacenza, he contracted the plague himself and developed a sore on his thigh. Choosing to isolate himself from others to prevent spreading the disease, he lived alone in the forest. A dog, belonging to a man named Gotardo, miraculously helped San Roque by bringing him food and licking his wound. A spring also emerged from the place where he rested, providing him with clean water. One day, Gotardo followed his dog to discover where it was bringing food. There, he found San Roque in his condition and helped him until he recovered. After his healing, San Roque continued his journey back to his hometown of Montpellier.
Upon his return, his town was engulfed in war and turmoil. He was stopped by soldiers for identification but chose not to reveal his true identity, as he no longer wished to return to the luxurious life he had left behind. Despite his noble status, the soldiers did not believe him and accused him of being a spy hiding as a pilgrim. He was captured and sentenced to life imprisonment by his own uncle, who was then the governor. San Roque spent over five years in prison, forgotten by civilization but not forsaken by God.
According to history, when San Roque sensed that his death was near, he requested a priest to visit him and administer the last sacraments. Upon entering his cell, the priest noticed a light surrounding San Roque, a sign of his holiness. When San Roque passed away, a board was found at his head, inscribed with the words: โWhoever is afflicted by the plague and calls upon my servant Roque, I will protect, for his sake.โ
News of San Roque reached his uncle, who immediately visited his remains in prison. Following this, the mother of his uncle, also his grandmother, came to confirm that San Roque was indeed her grandson because of the birthmark on his chest. Consequently, he was given a dignified burial, and a church was built in his honor for his deeds.
San Roque is recognized as the patron saint of the disabled, dogs, dog owners, travelers, and young men. His feast day is celebrated on August 16.
