Saint Roch - Novena Prayers for today's Problems

Saint Roch prays for the sick and invalid

Saint
of the Sick

Saint
of the Invalids

Saint of Dogs


Memorial Day / Feast Day: August 16th


Tradition recalls that Roch was born around 1295 to the rich family of the Governor John and his wife Libera in Montpellier, France. His birth was considered a miracle because his mother was barren until she prayed for a miracle to the Virgin Mary and Roch was conceived. It is said that Roch had a red birthmark in the shape of a cross on his chest.

Governor John died when Roch was 12 and his mother died when he was 20. Even though Roch inherited his parent’s fortune he joined the Franciscan order soon after his mother’s death and distributed his wealth and possessions among the poor. He then handed the government of Montpellier to his uncle.

Roch then set out as a mendicant pilgrim heading towards Italy during the epidemic of the bubonic plague. He stopped along the way to care for plague victims at Acquapendente, Cesena, Rimini, Novara and Rome, and is said to have effected many miraculous cures by prayer and the sign of the cross and the touch of his hand.

While ministering at Piacenza he himself finally fell ill. He left the town and went into the forest. He made a hut in which to live even though he expected to die.

Two miraculous events then happened: a spring arose near his hut to supply fresh water and a hunting dog would bring him bread daily and lick his wounds, thus healing them.

The dog belonged to a nobleman named Count Gothard Palastrelli who one day followed his hunting dog to the hut where he discovered Saint Roch and became his acolyte (assistant novice).

After his recovery Roch returned incognito to Montpeillier in France. Upon arriving at Montpellier he refused to disclose his identity because he wanted to avoid worldly glory (being the son of the former governor and nephew of the present one). Because of his refusal to identify himself he was taken for a spy in the disguise of a pilgrim and cast into prison by order of the governor his uncle. He died in prison five years later.

The miraculous cross on his chest as well as a document found in his possession revealed his identification. He was accordingly given a public funeral, and numerous miracles attested his sanctity.

Saint Roch is known as Rocco in Italy and San Roque in Spain, he is patron saint of the sick and invalids and of dogs. Worldwide the faithful offer prayers for intercession to San Roque.

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Blessed
Saint Roch
you healed
the sick
and
invalids by
blessing
them with the
Sign of the Cross,


I beg you to
bestow
your blessing
on me.




Novena Prayers for today's Problems
Saint Roch prayer pack is designed
for those who are inflicted 
with illness and need the
Power of Prayer to help
them through this trying time.

This is a Novena to Saint Roch,
who himself suffered illness
and was indebted to a dog
who came to his aid in
his time of need.


He is the Patron Saint
for man's best friend
and offers assistance
to the sick and
invalids.


The Novena can be prayed
over nine hours (one per hour)
or over nine days (one per day).

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