Saint Roch of Montpellier with dog Figurine

Feastday: August 16th

Symbols and Imagery: Shown as a Pilgrim with a dog and a wound on his leg. 

Patron Saint of the invalids and against pestilence and plague

St. Roch was a French Noble who had sympathy for the poor and sick. He was born with an image of a red cross on his breast. He was orphaned at the age 20, he gave his fortune to the poor and became a mendicant pilgrim. He took care of people who were infected with the plague. He took care of these people, but eventually contracted the Plague himself. He walked into a forest to die, but was befriended by a dog. The dog brought him stolen food and he eventually recovered. He was captured on his way back to Montpellier and imprisoned for five years because his uncle failed to recognize him and believed he was a spy. He was then cared for by an angel until his death.