The True Story of Saint Roch

Saint Roch was born in Montpellier late 13th or early 14th Century. He was an orphan from a wealthy family at a very early age but as an adult decided to give all his belongings away and to go to Rome on a pelgrimage. From there on starts his legend. Before to set out for Italy, quite wisely, he filled up his flask with water from the family well. Along the way he met sick people who he is supposed to have cured thanks to this Holy Water. St Roch caught the plague as well and consequently hid in a forest. Maybe you’ve seen a sculpture of St Roch with a dog ? I’m sorry to say nobody knows the name of this pet. He actually saved Roch by stealing away food from his very rich master and feeding this brave man from Montpellier. A socialist dog no doubt.
Well here is the twist : Karl (I decided to give a name to this animal after all he deserved it) went back to his aristocratic master. Roch, walked back to Montpellier (he was running out of water you see) and in front of the Opéra House was arrested by a nasty policeman who accused him of transporting illegal substances ! The poor Roch died in prison (at the estimated age of 80) without being able to make a last farwell to Karl.

Since then the City of Montpellier celebrates its patron saint mid-August every year . The famous well is open to the public. It is now located in a shoe shop. Quite appropriate to praise a former pilgrim after all…

St Roch church is in the middle of a medieval area of the City. The shop keepers around the church organise regurlaly events to promote themselves. This time round, between the 23d October and the 15th November, 30 different artists are displaying their paintings, sculptures, ceramics or photos in St Roch shops. Roch was from a trading family so it is relevant as well.