The devotion to Saint Roch (San Roque), especially in times of health outbreaks, is historically deeply rooted. Filipino folks now and then appeal to Saint Roch's intercession to spare them from harm. In the town of Cuartero, here in Capiz, during the COVID-19 lockdown, locals would have Saint Roch's image go around the town's poblacion while being conveyed by a "traysikad" with a recorded prayer amplified so that every house could listen and pray along. A century ago, locals from other Philippine towns would implore Saint Roch's intercession for protection against the cholera outbreak.
In an article the scholarly journal Religion and Health, researchers Antonio Perciaccante, Alessia Coralli, Saudamini Deo and Philippe Charlier surmised that "The story of the life of Saint Roch provides useful lessons to combat the current pandemic. It is a reminder of the importance of social responsibility in difficult and trying times. It is commonly upheld that Saint Roch not only actively helped during the plague’s epidemic but taught us the importance of respecting measures aimed at counteracting an epidemic’s spread. When he discovered that he was sick, he accepted the rule of social distancing, retreating to a cave or hut to avoid contact with others. In this way, saint Roch could perhaps be given the title: 'Infectiologist of God.'" Read the full article here
Prayer to Saint Roch:
O Blessed St Roch, Patron of the sick, have pity on those who lie upon a bed of suffering.
Image of St Roch
Your power was so great when you were in this world, that by the sign of the Cross, many were healed of their diseases.
Now that you are in heaven, your power is no less. Offer to God our sighs and tears and obtain for us the physical and spiritual health we seek:
(Share your request…)
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
St Roch: Pray for us, that we may be relieved from all diseases of body and soul. (Repeat 3 times)
Lord Jesus, may thy will be done.
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