St. Roch

St. Roch was born in France in the fourteenth century. He was born with a red birthmark on his chest in the form of a cross. When his father died, Roche distributed his inheritance to the poor and set out on a pilgrimage to Italy. When he reached Italy he found an outbreak of plague and immediately set to work to help care for the sick and dying, and was said to have caused many miracles through his prayers and the touch of his hand. Then St. Roch himself became ill and was expelled from the town. He went to live in the forest and was fed by a dog which brought him bread. Later St. Roch returned to his hometown in France and was arrested by his own uncle who did not recognize him. He was thrown into prison as a spy. When he died in prison five years later the birthmark on his chest was discovered, revealing his identity. The feast day of St. Roch is August 16th and he is the patron saint of dogs, bachelors, invalids and second hand dealers. In church art such as stained glass windows St. Roch is seen with a wound in his thigh and a dog with bread in its mouth. If you need a stained glass window or door panel of St. Roch in your church, office or home, then please contact us and we will facilitate your purchase with pleasure.