Is it possible for a humble chapel to embody the spirit of a neighborhood? The Parroquia San Roque does just that for Villa Ortúzar. This church at Plaza 1180 is more than just a building. It is a symbol for locals.
San Roque himself is quite the figure. He is the patron saint of dogs and the sick. Images of him appear in countless chapels. He was a protector against the plague for centuries. Legend says San Roque was born around 1300 in Montpellier. He was the son of French royalty. His birth was a miracle. His parents prayed to the Virgin Mary because they could not have children.
Later in life, San Roque became an orphan. He sold his inheritance and gave the money to the poor. When the Black Death arrived he went to Rome. He wanted to help the sick. In Aguapendente, Italy, he saw the devastation of the pandemic. He visited hospitals and cared for the needy. One day, he made the sign of the cross over a sick man. The man was instantly healed. There were no medicines back then. Soon, everyone wanted his blessing.
San Roque eventually caught the plague himself. To avoid infecting others, he went into the woods. A dog brought him bread every day. The dog stole the bread from his master Gottardo Pallastrelli. Gottardo followed the dog one day. He found San Roque dying. Gottardo took him home and nursed him back to health. Gottardo became a pilgrim after hearing San Roque’s teachings. Some say the dog licked San Roque’s wounds and healed him.
Once recovered, San Roque returned to Montpellier. He dedicated himself to helping the sick. Another story says he was arrested in Angera, Italy. He refused to reveal his identity. People thought he was a spy. He died in prison around 1376 at age 32. Despite the different versions of his story, his end is the same. He died in prison. That is how San Roque became the patron saint of dogs and the sick.
Now, back to our Parroquia San Roque here in Villa Ortúzar. The church was designed by María and Juan Negri. It was consecrated in 1924. It has a single nave that is 26 meters long and 10 meters wide. Its style is Lombard. In the early 20th century, the Asociación de Escuelas y Patronatos started planning a church. Mass was being held in a family home. Many residents came from Carpinone, Italy. In 1907, the owners of a brick kiln donated land for a chapel. The following year, it became a parish. The temple suffered damage during the Tragic Week in 1919. In 1920, Monseñor Espinosa offered the parish to the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. They built the new church.
Every April 29th, they bless pets here on Animal Day. From August 7th to 21st, they celebrate the saint’s feast days. Hundreds of locals walk through the streets with the saint. The Parroquia San Roque stands as a testament to faith. It is a symbol of community. It is a tribute to a saint who cared for the forgotten.