the museums - san rocco

When I lived in Aprigliano, the church of San Rocco, a new version of the old name, was a secondary chapel used only during the August feastday of the saint. I have no memory of ever going to Santo Rocco, the old name, for any service. What I remember is the Franciscan monks collecting pre-Christmas offerings that were taken up to the chapel. Rocco was a Franciscan friar. I remember the stories of the saint, the plague and the mark on his knee that represented his salvation from the deadly bubonic menace. The mark was evidence of the Lord's healing powers. Also, San Rocco was the only saint with a pet. I remember the Apriglianese going up to the chapel and 'borrowing' the dog, because they believed it had healing powers. Mothers would bring the dog home and place it in the room with a sick child. Santo Rocco was a simple man who had received the Lord's favors. We all believed we too could become favored by God.

Over the last 50 years San Rocco has risen in stature. The chapel is well cared for, and much of the charity work in Aprigliano is connected to San Rocco.
(The thumbnail points to the large image.)