San Rocco
August 16, 2010, 10:07 am
Posted by Robert P. Imbelli
Though in the Church’s liturgical calendar he seems to have been displaced by some upstart from Hungary, all Italians and lovers of things Italian know that today is the feast of San Rocco.
I grew up in the parish of Saint Roch in the South Bronx — the form of the Saint’s name reflecting his French origin. Some years ago I was fortunate to be in Venice on his feast day where it is celebrated with liturgical and civic pomp at the renowned “Scuola di San Rocco.” I found here an interesting guide to the history and art of the Scuola and the Confraternity which erected it.
The paintings of Tintoretto are the artistic masterpieces of the edifice. The most famous of which is undoubtedly the Crucifixion.
St. Rocco helped plague victims, and had a little dog who helped him when he himself got sick, didn’t he?
The feast of St. Rocco was always our day to pick the Roma tomatoes and start canning. Alas, we’re getting too old for that mess.
Jean,
I believe the dog carried food to Rocco (aka Roch) when, as you say, he himself was ill.
Nice tradition to pick tomatoes on his feast. I’m already savoring this evening’s pasta.