Today, August 16, many will celebrate the Feast of St. Roch (Sv. Roko) – a pilgrim, benefactor and protector from the plague and cholera. Many in the Cetina region, especially those in Čaporice, Udovičić and the Trilj village of Strizirep, will celebrate St. Roch today.
A ceremonial Mass with a procession in Čaporice will serve at 10h this morning, and will be led by Don Josip Dukić. The mass in Udovičić at 10.30h will be led by Fr. Ante Jojo Marković.
At the same time (10.30h), mass in Strizirep will begin, which will be headed by Don Ivica Barišić, pastor of Our Lady of Health in Podstrana.
More info on St. Roch:
“Untrustworthy sources say St. Roch was probably born in Montpellier, France, and was the son of the governor there. He was orphaned when he was 20 years old. He went on pilgrimage to Rome and devoted himself to caring for the victims of a plague that was ravaging Italy. He became a victim himself at Piacenza but recovered and was reputed to have performed many miracles of healing.
On his return to Montpellier, he was imprisoned for five years as a spy in a pilgrim’s disguise when his uncle, who was governor, ordered him imprisoned (His uncle failed to recognize him, and Roch failed to identify himself.) Roch died in prison and was only then identified as the former governor’s son by a birthmark in the form of a cross on his chest. Another biographer says that he was arrested as a spy at Angers, Lombardi, and died in prison there.
When miracles were reported at his intercession after his death, a popular cult developed and he is invoked against pestilence and plague. He is also the patron of invalids. He is known as Rocco in Italy and Roque in Spain.”
Source: catholic.org
