Novena to St. Roch

V. In the Name of the Father (☨)… R. Amen. V. O Blessed Saint Roch, patron of the sick,

have pity on those who lie upon a bed of suffering, R. Thy power was so great when thou wast in this world, *

that by the holy Sign of the Cross, * many were healed of their diseases.

V. Now that thou art in Heaven, thy power is no less. R. We implore thee, to offer to God our prayers, sighs and

tears, * and to obtain for us the physical and spiritual health we seek.

(Mention request, e.g. that we may be spared from the coronavirus) V. This we ask through Jesus (☨) Christ Our Lord. R. Amen.

Repeat three times: V. St. Roch, pray for us, R. That we may be relieved from all diseases

of body and soul.

V. Lord Jesus (☨), may Thy will be done. R. Amen. V. In the Name of the Father (☨)… R. Amen.

Day 1 ❑ Day 2 ❑ Day 3 ❑ Day 4 ❑ Day 5 ❑Day 6 ❑ Day 7 ❑ Day 8 ❑ Day 9 ❑

St. Roch (1295-1327) was born in Montpellier, France. At his birth, his breast was found miraculously marked with a red cross. When he was about twenty his parents died. He distributed their wealth, gave his father’s governorship to his uncle, and set out for Italy as a mendicant pilgrim (some say as a Third Order Franciscan). All along his journey, he came upon cities devastated by the plague and he healed many by the Sign of the Cross. Eventually he fell sick and withdrew to a secluded forrest to die. Yet an angel revealed his whereabouts to a kind man, who nursed him back to health. St. Roch eventually returned to France, but remained in the guise of a poor beggar instead of a nobleman’s son. He was taken for a spy and cast into prison by the governor, his own uncle! Five years later he died, still in prison. It is then that the miraculous red cross was discovered, as well as other documents in his possession, and people realized who he was. He was given a public funeral and numerous miracles attested to his sanctity.

In 1414, the Council of Constance was working to end the Great Papal Schism, and the plague broke out in that city. The council fathers ordered public prayers and processions in St. Roch’s honor and immediately the plague ceased. In 1485, his relics were transferred to Venice, where they are still venerated. Various popes established confraternities and works of mercy under his patronage.

St. Vincent Ferrer Foundation www.svfonline.org