Saint Roch or Rocco (c. 1295 – 16 August 1327) was a Catholic saint and confessor. He is specially invoked against the plague. He may also be called Rock in English and has the designation of St Rollox in Glasgow, Scotland. (Not to be confused with Rolex.) He is the patron saint of dogs, invalids, falsely accused people, and bachelors, among others.
He was born into a wealthy family in Montpellier, France. His parents died when he was 20 years old, and rather than embarking on a life of luxury, he gave all his goods to the poor and set out on a pilgrimage to Rome. When encountering the plague, he was diligent in tending the sick and is said to have effected many miraculous cures by prayer, the sign of the cross, and the touch of his hand.
He became ill of the plague himself retreated to the forest where he would have died had it not been for a faithful dog of a nearby Count who brought him food. He returned to Montpellier but was falsely imprisoned as a spy and died on August 16, 1327.
This tempera on wood painting of Saint Roche was effectuated by Francesco Francia in 1502.
It is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and has been released into the public domain.
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