I recently moved to a neighborhood with a very interesting church a few blocks away, St. Rocco's. You will notice statues of a dog in front of many of the houses in the area.This is the story:
Born 1295 in Montpellier France to a noble family St. Rocco was orphaned at age 20. But strongly influenced by his mother's spiritual beliefs of faith, prayer and charity he denounced his wordly posessions, gave his inheritence to the poor and started out on a journey to the Catacombs through France and Italy. During this time the Bubonic Plague, (high fever, open sores) was taking hold of the area. Many were dying and being abandoned even by family because of fear. St. Rocco stayed. He cleaned, fed,and comforted the afflicted. He prayed and made the sign of the cross on the forehead of the very sick who then were miraculously cured.
When he himself contracted the disease he took to the woods to die. A dog found him and would bring him bread. One day the dog's owner a nobleman followed the dog into the woods and found St. Rocco. He took him in and he eventually got well. On returning home to Montpellier they did not believe who he was, thought he was a spy and put him in a jail for five years where he died- August 16, 1327. On the wall where he passed away was inscribed: "St. Rocco will be your protection against plague." He is said to perform miracles even after his death and is known as the PATRON SAINT OF THE SICK.
You will note we put a stuffed dog with statue of St. Rocco. Every summer there is a grand feast in the parking lot of the church, The feast of St. Rocco with great food, sausage and pepper heros and a variety of delicious things to eat, games, vendors and history.We won this dog at the feast- 2012.
Picture 2- plastor plaque on wall of church.St. Rocco's mission. Picture 3- one angle of church, which is designed after a church in Sturno Italy.
Location is: 18 3rd St. Glen Cove, L.I. N.Y. 11542, Feast is usually in July. Bring your appetite.Down the block is St. Rocco's bakery. Can't miss it. I won't even tell you how good it is, especially just the bread.