The Legend of Saint Rocco and His Dog

A saint story you don't want to miss!

After praying for a child for many years, a wealthy couple is finally blessed with a beautiful baby boy. To their surprise, they discover a cross-shaped birthmark on his chest, but they have no idea what extraordinary graces God will bestow on him.

As a young man, Rocco renounces his fortune and enters the Franciscan Third Order, choosing the life of a poor traveling pilgrim. He stops in towns to care for the sick, especially plague victims. His prayers and labors result in many miracles. Then one day, he catches the plague too, and the townsfolk force him to go away. With no one to care for him in his dire need, he staggers to a hut outside town and entrusts himself to God. And God does not disappoint him!

This beautifully illustrated children's book follows the legends of Saint Rocco, including ones that explain how he became the patron saint of dogs!

What a delightful story! I'm always eager to learn about different saints and their inspiring lives, so I was excited to read this story and discover a saint I'd never heard of, Saint Rocco. And, I must admit, I was definitely intrigued by the title because who wouldn't want to know more about a saint who had a pet dog? The legend of Rocco's dog is an incredible story, but there is so much more to Saint Rocco than just his love of animals. In fact, this book would be a fantastic story to read as a family because every member, no matter their age, will be moved by some aspect of this special man's life story. For instance, in the pages of this precious book, you'll discover how Saint Rocco's inspiring story began even before his birth. You'll find out which holy saint affected Rocco as a young boy and how, even as a child, Rocco spent his time caring for others. You'll learn how, as a young adult, his personal heartbreak changed the direction of his life. You'll uncover how Rocco followed his calling to serve God, ultimately leading him to meet a special canine friend who not only became part of Rocco's ministry but was there for this saint when he most needed a trusted friend. I highly recommend this beautiful testament to faith. Leslea Wahl, award-winning Catholic author

Dessi Jackson is the author of popular picture books about saints, including Saint Clare and Her cat, Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint Felix and the Spider, The Saint and His Bees, Nikola and the Monk. Her faith-filled children's stories come from the depths of her motherly heart. A writer for Seton Magazine and a Byzantine Catholic, she lives in Croatia, where she is always thinking up new stories. Martina Parnelli is an author, poet, and illustrator of plays, children's books, and short stories. She uses a mixed media for her art, including colored pencils, acrylics, and inks. Every "work" is an uniquely inspired creative project, a fruit brought to maturity from seeds sown earlier in life. She lives in Western Michigan, where she enjoys bird watching, container gardening, and reading historical accounts and Shakespeare.

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