Saint Rocco, a Catholic saint born in Montpellier, France in the 14th century, is venerated as the patron saint of the sick, particularly those afflicted with plague. He is often depicted in art with a bubo on his leg, a dog by his side, and dressed as a pilgrim.
His life, though shrouded in some legend, centers around his pilgrimage to Rome and service to plague victims in Italy. Rocco’s dedication to the sick and his own miraculous recovery from the plague solidified his status as a protector against contagious diseases. Veneration of the saint grew significantly during periods of widespread illness throughout history, offering solace and hope to communities ravaged by epidemics. His iconography, readily identifiable, serves as a potent reminder of faith, compassion, and resilience in the face of suffering.
