Saint Roch
Roch (Rock) of Montpellier, France, lived in the 14th century. A hermit, he undertook a pilgrimage to Rome, where he cared for plague victims. On the way home, sick and alone and expecting to die, he was miraculously healed by an angel and nourished by a dog. He died, perhaps in prison, having been arrested as a spy. His cult spread immediately. He is depicted dressed as a pilgrim and usually lifts his robe to reveal the mark of the plague on his thigh; a dog is usually nearby. He is invoked against the plague. PROTECTOR: Surgeons, grave-diggers, pharmacists, pavers, pilgrims, travelers, the sick, and prisoners. NAME: Roch is of Germanic origin with an uncertain meaning. (Giorgi, 2005) Photo from St. Louis, Missouri, 2026.