Patron saint of epidemics, apothecaries, falsely accused people, second-hand dealers, dogs and bachelors.
Roch lived in the 14th century. Born as a rich kid but he chose to become a pious pilgrim instead. While tending to early victims of the plague he became sick himself, was banished and almost perished. But a dog took pity on him. brought him bread and licked Roch’s plague wounds which miraculously healed. Roch loved dogs ever since.
Depictions of saint Roch can be recognized by the dog companion and saint Roch showing of his legs where the plague sore had been. It makes for interesting depictions.
