Patron Saint of Dogs
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If you love your pup as much as I do, you might be thrilled to know there is a Patron Saint of Dogs!
Winston pup is always adventuring, so I, for one, am happy to learn there’s a special saint just for dogs! How great is that?!
Winston pup is always adventuring, so I, for one, am happy to learn there’s a special Catholic saint just for dogs! How great is that?!
St. Roch, the patron saint of dogs, was born in Montpellier in 1925 and was the son of a nobleman and governor of the city. His mother struggled with infertility for many years. She prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Roch was conceived.
When was born he had a birthmark in the shape of a cross on his breast which grew larger as he grew older. Many people saw Roche’s birth as an answer to his mother’s prayer to the Virgin Mary and considered it to be a blessing from heaven.
St. Roch’s Story
His parents were quite wealthy and Roch received a lavish upbringing and education. At the age of twenty, Roche’s life took a dramatic turn when both of his parents passed away and he inherited his father’s title and wealth. St. Roch had a strong sense of compassion and a desire to help others.
He went on a pilgrimage to Italy, barefoot and wearing sackcloth, arriving in the middle of the bubonic plague. As he travelled he cared for the sick, even producing miraculous cures.
He eventually made his way to Rome where he offered aid in the local hospitals and towns nearby. Roch lived a life of prayer, living off alms he received from begging while he dedicated himself to caring for the sick and impoverished.
Unfortunately, during one of his travels, St. Roch contracted the plague himself and became very ill. He retreated to the forest so he wouldn’t make others sick.
He surely would have died, but miraculously a dog brought him bread every day and licked his wounds. Eventually Roch recovered. This story is why St. Roch is considered the patron saint of dogs.
St Roch Returns Home
St Roch made his way home, but his hard journey and illness made him unrecognizable and he was imprisoned as a spy either in Lombardy or Montpelier. He died there five years later due to the horrible conditions. Upon his death, he was identified as the nephew of the governor of Montpelier!
When is the Feast Day of Saint Roch?
Saint Roch’s feast day is August 16. The observance marks the anniversary of the day St Roch passed away, sometime between 1376 or 1379.
When was St Roch Canonized?
Many miracles were attributed to St Roch after his death, especially those related to the plague and other infectious diseases. He was canonized a hundred years after his death.
St Roch is also known as St Roche, St Rock, Saint Rocke, Saint Rocco, and St Roque.
Blessing of the Animals on St. Roch’s Day
On St. Roch’s Day, some churches allow pet owners to take their animals to church to be blessed. It’s also a day to spend time with your dog and to pray for St Roch’s intercession.
St Roch is also the patron saint of the sick and disabled, bachelors, and travelers.
Final Thoughts on The Patron Saint of Dogs
St. Roch’s Day for Pets is a special day for pet owners to honor and bless their beloved animal friends. It’s a time to reflect on the love and companionship that our pets bring into our lives and to ask for St. Roch’s continued protection and blessings for them.
I am so thankful for my furry friends= and the joy he brings into our lives and on August 16th, I’ll be sure to remember St. Roch, the patron saint of dogs, for his kindness and compassion towards humans and canines alike.
