Saint Roch (Rocco) —
Patron Saint of Invalids, Bachelors, Dogs, Knee Problems, Surgeons, Tile Makers

"St. Roch (Rocco) was a French noble who early developed a sympathy for the poor and sick. While on pilgrimage St. Roch encountered an area afflicted with plague. He stayed to minister to the sick, and affected several miraculous cures, but contracted the plague himself. He walked into a forest to die, but was befriended by a dog. The dog fed him with food stolen from his master's table, and Roch eventually recovered.

When Roch returned to France, he was charged with spying. He languished in jail for five years, never mentioning his noble connections, cared for by an angel until his death; when he was identified by a birthmark in the form of a cross on his chest.

He is known as St. Rocco in Italy and St. Roque in Spain. His feast day is August 16th."

Prayer to St. Roch (Rocco)
“Dear mendicant Pilgrim, you once took care of sufferers from the plague and were always ready to help others by kind service and fervent prayers. You yourself had no home and you died in a dungeon. No wonder countless invalids have confidently invoked your help. Please grant a cure to (name of the sufferer), and help us all become spiritually healthy. Amen.”

Prayer to St. Rocco
"Lord God, you teach us that the commandments of heaven are summarized in love of you and love of our neighbor. By following the example of Saint Rocco in practicing works of charity may we be counted among the blessed in your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. Amen."