Born to the governor of Montpellier, France, Roch practiced strict fasts and prayer from a young age. Orphaned when he was twenty, Roch distributed all his worldly goods among the poor, entered the Franciscan Third Order, and set out as a pilgrim for Rome. While there he 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. His uncle, who had become governor, failed to recognize him, and Roch did not identify himself. Only after his death in prison was he identified by a birthmark in the form of a cross on his chest.
This print is part of the "Happy Saint" collection by Anna Morelli.
The image is professionally printed, hand-signed by the artist, and comes enclosed in a plastic sleeve to ensure protection.
Saint Roch
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