about
Saint Rocco's Feast
Honoring tradition, embracing community
Founded in 1927 by a dedicated group of Italian immigrants from the Calabria region of Italy, the Saint Rocco Italian-American Mutual Aid Society was built on the core values of community, charity, and cultural preservation. These founding members brought with them not only the rich traditions of their homeland but also a deep desire to support one another in their new lives in America.
Just two years after its founding, in 1929, the Society began what would become one of its most cherished and enduring traditions: the annual Feast of Saint Rocco. Celebrated in honor of our patron saint, this beloved event quickly grew into a vibrant expression of faith, heritage, and community spirit. Today, it remains a cornerstone of our mission—bringing people together through shared celebration and purpose.
True to our name and roots, the Saint Rocco Society has long been committed to mutual aid. Proceeds from the Feast and other fundraising efforts are donated to individuals, families, and organizations in need. Whether it’s supporting local causes, providing assistance during hardship, or contributing to broader charitable initiatives, we continue to uphold the founding principles of compassion and generosity.
As we honor our past, we look forward to the future—strengthening community bonds and continuing to serve those in need, just as our founders envisioned nearly a century ago.
Who was SAINT rocco?
St. Rocco was born in 1295 in Montpellier, France, into a noble family, marked at birth by a red cross on his chest. From a young age, he showed compassion for the poor and sick. After losing his parents at age 20, he gave away his wealth and became a pilgrim, eventually traveling to Italy during a time when the bubonic plague ravaged the land. St. Rocco devoted himself to caring for the afflicted, healing many through prayer and the sign of the cross—miracles that brought an end to the plague in several cities.
While in Piacenza, St. Rocco contracted the plague himself. Choosing isolation so as not to burden others, he took refuge in the woods, where he was sustained by divine miracles—a pear tree, a waterfall, and daily bread delivered by a dog. After recovering, he continued his mission until he was wrongly imprisoned in France, never revealing his true identity. He died on August 16, 1327, at age 32. After his death, he was recognized as a saint, and a message from God declared that all who seek St. Rocco’s intercession during times of plague would be healed.