San Rocco di Tolve: the Saint covered with gold

Let's get to know better the characteristics of San Rocco and his veneration in the country of Remove.

Born in Montpellier between the years 1346 and 1350, San Rocco is venerated by the Catholic church and he is the patron saint of many cities. Protector from the plague was a French pilgrim. He is also considered patron of animals, of the peasant world and is taken as an example in the reference to human charity and voluntary service. There are many discrepancies as to the whereabouts of his death, but the new findings agree the last years of his life Holy. He was a prisoner for a few years. While he was on his way to return home, with a long and scruffy beard, he did not escape the sentries and the curiosity of the inhabitants of the town of Voghera.

Although his parents were Lombardi by origin, no one recognized him and he was imprisoned because he did not want to reveal his identity. Taken for a spy, he was led before the Governor who was his paternal uncle and without investigation and without trial was taken to prison. He did nothing to be recognized as he kept saying he was just a humble servant of Jesus Christ. He died in the night between 15 and 16 August.

Tolve and the particular veneration of San Rocco

The aspects that characterize this cult in the village of Tolve are two. The doubling of the patronal feast which is not only held on August 16, but is also repeated on September 16 and the particularity of the statue in the public processions. The motivation for the doubling of this cult is not clear, but historical sources tell us that it is all linked to agricultural life. Since the peasants were busy with the harvest in August, this celebration distracted the concentration from work commitments.

Other more modern sources say that it is simply due to the fact that in August many people are out for the summer holidays. There feast of the Saint replicates the following month. The famous dressing takes place on both dates. Two days before the 16th, the Sacred Statue it is literally garnished with gold objects of all shapes and sizes. Necklaces, rings, bracelets and other objects are applied with care to the statue. These objects are the result of donations from the faithful as a sign of good omen and graces received over the years.