Aug 16 - Feast of San Roque. San Roque is the son of the Governor of Montpillier in France. From birth many have thought he would be a saint because he was born with a skin that looked like a cross on his chest. He left behind luxurious living in France, gave his possessions to the poor and headed for Rome. There he served the pest victims. Many were healed because of his crucifixion on them. The opportunity came when he was infected with the disease. So he went into the forest and into a cave. There he was cared for by a dog who always cleaned his wounds by licking them. San Roque threatened his heretic when he was found in the forest and they arrested him. In prison he cared for fellow dogs as his sacred duty when they were with them.
San Roque and Saint Tomas de Villanueva are alike in their great passion for simple living. They both left behind the sweet and luxurious promises of life and chose poverty in life to serve alongside the poor. They both share the same love for sick people. When Saint Thomas was only a priest it was his duty to work with all diligence and holiness in caring for the sick within the clergy. They also resemble the grace of healing the sick by extending them.
San Roque and Santo Tomas de Villanueva, pray for us.