Plague Saints

Saints venerated for protection against plague

Plague Saints are Christian saints who are invoked for protection against plague and other infectious diseases. Throughout history, particularly during the Black Death and subsequent outbreaks, these saints have been venerated by the faithful seeking divine intervention to ward off illness and death.

Historical Context

The veneration of plague saints became particularly prominent during the Middle Ages, a period marked by recurrent outbreaks of the bubonic plague. The most devastating of these was the Black Death, which swept through Europe in the 14th century, killing millions. In the face of such overwhelming mortality, people turned to religious figures for hope and protection.

Notable Plague Saints

Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian by Jacopo Tintoretto

Saint Sebastian is one of the most well-known plague saints. He was a Roman martyr who was traditionally depicted as being tied to a post and shot with arrows. His association with the plague comes from the belief that he was able to intercede on behalf of the faithful to protect them from the disease. The arrows that pierced him were seen as symbolic of the arrows of the plague.

Saint Roch

Glorification of St Roch by Jacopo Tintoretto

Saint Roch, also known as Saint Rocco, is another prominent plague saint. According to legend, he was a French nobleman who devoted his life to caring for plague victims. He is often depicted with a sore on his leg, which he miraculously healed, and a dog that brought him bread. His intercession was sought during times of plague, and he became the patron saint of invalids and the falsely accused.

Saint Charles Borromeo

The Duomo of Milan with paintings of Saint Charles Borromeo

Saint Charles Borromeo was an Italian cardinal and archbishop of Milan who became a key figure during the plague of 1576–1578. He organized the care of the sick and dying, and his efforts to provide spiritual and physical relief to the afflicted earned him a reputation as a protector against the plague. His leadership during the crisis was commemorated in numerous artworks and dedications.

Veneration and Cultural Impact

The veneration of plague saints was not only a religious practice but also a cultural phenomenon. Churches and chapels were dedicated to these saints, and their feast days were marked by processions and prayers. The invocation of plague saints reflects the medieval understanding of disease as a divine punishment and the belief in the power of saints to intercede with God on behalf of humanity.

Related Pages

• Black Death
• Bubonic plague
• Christianity in the Middle Ages
• Intercession of saints