Devotion to San Rocco: the saint against epidemics and the coronavirus

Montpellier, France, 1345/1350 - Angera, Varese, 16 August 1376/1379

The sources about him are inaccurate and made more obscure by legend. On a pilgrimage to Rome after donating all of the goods to the poor, he would stop in Acquapendente, dedicating himself to the assistance of the plague patients and making miraculous healings that spread his fame. Peregrinando for central Italy he devoted himself to works of charity and assistance by promoting continuous conversion. He would have died in prison after being arrested by some soldiers in Angera for suspecting espionage. Invoked in the campaigns against livestock diseases and natural disasters, his cult spread extraordinarily in Northern Italy, linked in particular to his role as protector against the plague.

PRAYERS IN SAN ROCCO

Glorious San Rocco, who for your generosity in consecrating yourself to the service of the plague victims and for your continuous prayers, saw the end of the plague and heal all the infected of Acquapendente, in Cesena, in Rome, in Piacenza, in Mompellier, in all the cities of the France and Italy, traveled by you, obtain for us all the grace of being constantly preserved by your intercession from such a frightening and so distressing scourge; but much more do you get to be preserved by the spiritual plague of the soul, which is sin, in order to one day be able to share with you the glory up there in Paradise. Glory.

Glorious San Rocco, who struck by pestilential disease in the act of serving other infected, and placed by God to the test of the most spasmodic pains, asked and obtained to be placed along the road, then from that driven out, outside the city you were hospitalized in poor hut, where your wounds were healed by an Angel and your hunger restored by a pitiful dog, by going every day with bread taken from the table of its master, Gotthard, you obtain all the grace to suffer the infirmities with unalterable resignation, the tribulations, the misfortunes all of this life, always waiting for the necessary help from heaven. Glory.

San Rocco makes us feel pilgrims on this earth with our hearts turned towards heaven. It gives peace and serenity to our families. Protect our youth and instill in it love for virtues. It brings comfort and healing to the sick. Help us use health for the sake of needy brothers. Intercede for the unity of the Church and peace in the world. Obtain us for the charity practiced here on earth to enjoy immortal glory with you.