mar's Desk

marcoujor: St. Rocco - Protect Our Pets

8/16/2017

One of my beloved colleagues recently wrote me when her little dog, Wrigley, went missing.

I recalled that helpless and anxious feeling that can happen in the blink of an eye to any of us.

Before you worry another moment, Wrigley came home on his own after a couple nerve - wracking days to his loving Momma who showered him with kisses - after a good shower, of course!

Wrigley is also the proud new owner of a microchip for if / when he decides to go exploring.

I was so impressed with Barbara’s calmness during this canine crisis. She told me about her faith in the patron saint of dogs. In fact, she has a medallion of St. Rocco (Roch) that she wore the entire time Wrigley was out ‘on the town’.

I did a little reading about Rocco. He has quite a story.

Born in 1340 A.D. in Montpellier, France, his parents died when he was a little boy - leaving him an orphan under the care of his uncle, the Duke of Montpellier.

Taking a vow of poverty, Rocco distributed his wealth among the poor and moved to Rome. During his travels, he contracted the plague. With an open sore on his leg, Rocco was banished from the city and took refuge in a cave.

Miraculously a dog faithfully brought him bread which kept Rocco alive. The dog visited from a nearby castle. The Lord of this castle followed his dog into the woods and discovered Rocco. The nobleman had pity on Rocco and brought him to his castle where Rocco was cured.

Image via JosepMonter of Pixabay. Click here to visit his gallery.

Rocco traveled through northern Italy for a few more years before returning to his birthplace in France. The rest of his life was filled with suffering and unjust imprisonment, ultimately being reunited with his Uncle before his death.

After his death, St. Rocco performed many miracles. Wrigley’s safe return is one of these miracles!

Today, August 16th, happens to be the commemoration of St. Rocco’s death.

May you never need to pray to him for the safe return of your four-legged friends yet wanted you to know Rocco is furrever on the job.