SAINT ROQUE GONZALEZ, PRIEST AND MARTYR - 16 NOVEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 16th of November

SAINT ROQUE GONZALEZ, PRIEST AND MARTYR

"Rochus Gonzalez, a priest of the Society of Jesus, died a martyr's death at Urvari in the East Indies on September 16, 1628, along with Alphons Rodriguez. 

He was born in Paraguay of noble Spanish parents and was already a priest when he entered the order out of humility, to avoid the honorary offices which were to be bestowed on him. 

After completing the noviciate he went to preach the gospel to the natives. God bestowed upon his efforts such great blessings that he had several Reductions (permanent settlements of the converts). On November 15, 1628, he and Alphons Rodriguez were put to death with a club. 

(Men. Soc. J.)

Rochus Gonzalez is also commemorated on September 16 and November 15."

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882)

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

Saint Roque (Rochus) was by beatified on January 28, 1934 (by Pope Pius XI), and canonised on May 16, 1988 (by Pope John Paul II).

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Roque may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.