The Society of San Rocco held their annual procession on Sunday through the streets of Boston’s North End. Joining the statue of Saint Rocco and his devotees were Portuguese dancers, Rancho Folclorico de Peabody accompanied by the Roma Band and Northeast Italian Band.
Saint Rocco was born into an aristocratic French family. He turned away from his worldly inheritance and status, giving all of his possessions to the poor and the sick. Saint Rocco willingly turned to a life of poverty, charity and service to others. He traveled plague stricken Europe caring for the sick and ultimately, through the grace of God, miraculously curing those he encountered. Saint Rocco, born into power and influence, escaped death from starvation and plague by eating food brought to him by a dog.
San Nicola Baronia, a small town in Italy, adopted this Holy Man as their patron saint. Immigrants from this town established a Society dedicated to his works in Boston, Mass. in 1921. Read more. The Society of San Rocco of San Nicola Baronia annually celebrates a festival in his honor and strives throughout the year to perform charitable works in His Name.
Watch 2012 video clips in this separate post.
Fun fact: Saint Rocco was featured in the New York City procession shown in the Godfather II movie.
View the 2012 Feast Schedule for all the dates of the North End Summer processions and festivals.
Photos by Matt Conti. Download high resolution versions of these photographs for free and order prints/products here: http://smu.gs/NsP31E