Saint Roch, (pronounced Rock in Australia) was born in a village on the French/Spanish border in 1295. During that time the Black Death Plague was devastating large areas of Europe and the people were crying out for heavenly assistance. It was here that St Roch (then a young priest) became famous for miraculous healings in the area. Soon, his fame grew to a point where he became a patron saint for those suffering from the effects of the plague.
Oh Merciful God who through an angel promised Saint Roch, That whoever invoked His name
would be preserved from all pestilence
and contagious diseases. Grant that through his intercession
we may be preserved from all dangers of soul and body.
Through Christ Our Lord. Amen