Saint Roch

Who remembers Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs and those seeking healing? Here in New Orleans, the Saint Roch name echoes not just through a neighborhood but through a captivating tale of faith, resilience, and perhaps, a touch of the supernatural. The Saint Roch neighborhood, originally known as Faubourg Franklin, blossomed in the 1830s thanks to the Pontchartrain Railroad. It thrived, becoming home to a diverse community of free people of color before the Civil War. This vibrant neighborhood boasted blacksmith shops, dairies, schools, and even a popular baseball field. But in 1867, yellow fever threatened to decimate the community. It was then that Reverend Peter Leonard Thevis, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, made a solemn vow to Saint Roch. If his parishioners were spared from the deadly epidemic, he would build a chapel in the saint’s honor. Miraculously, his congregation survived, not just the 1867 outbreak but also another in 1878. True to his word, Reverend Thevis established the Saint Roch Chapel and Cemetery in 1875. The chapel, nestled within the cemetery grounds, became a sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage for those seeking healing. It’s filled with ex-votos: crutches, braces, and other tokens left by those who believe they received miraculous cures through Saint Roch’s intercession. Now, about that touch of the supernatural. Some say Reverend Thevis, in his devotion to his flock, never truly left. A robed figure, believed to be his spirit, is sometimes seen wandering the cemetery paths at night. And then there’s the mysterious black dog, often spotted amongst the tombs. Attempts to approach it always fail, as it vanishes into thin air or seemingly through the tombstones themselves. A spectral stray? Or perhaps a nod to Saint Roch, the protector of canines? Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Saint Roch neighborhood offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ rich history and enduring spirit. A place where faith, history, and folklore intertwine, Saint Roch stands as a testament to the resilience of a community and the enduring power of belief.