Hello everyone!
Hope all are safe and well! ☺️❤️🙏
Today is the feast of St. Roch in our village, Minuhang. Even though I am not at home, it still feels like I am there because I was able to join through a video call with my family. I saw their happy faces, the food they prepared, and the way they celebrated the day. It made me feel like I was celebrating with them. ☺️❤️
In our village, the feast of St. Roch is always celebrated every 3rd Saturday of August. St. Roch, or San Roque, is known as the patron saint of the sick and protector against plagues. Many people honor him with prayers and thanksgiving for protection, good health, and blessings. The fiesta in Minuhang may not always be grand, but it is always filled with joy, faith, and togetherness. Families prepare food, relatives come home, and visitors are always welcome. ❤️
Who is St. Roch?
St. Roch was born in France in the 14th century. He devoted his life to serving the poor and the sick. During his time, a plague spread across Europe, and St. Roch helped many people who were suffering. He prayed for them, cared for them, and many were healed through his intercession. Later, when he himself got sick, he lived in the forest where, according to stories, a dog would bring him bread every day until he recovered. Because of this, he became known as the patron saint of the sick, dogs, and protector against epidemics and plagues.
That’s why every time we celebrate his feast, we are reminded of his life of sacrifice, compassion, and faith in God. 🙏
One thing I always look forward to during our fiesta is the food! Even though I wasn’t home, my family sent me photos of the dishes they prepared, and just looking at them already made me feel like I was there. ☺️❤️
They have Menudo and Adobo, it is always present in almost every Filipino gathering. It is rich in flavor and best enjoyed with steaming rice.
They have Ginataang isda and fried fish, it is freshly catch fish by my parents and cooked in coconut milk, bringing out that creamy, savory taste that reminds me so much of home.
They have Pancit because no Filipino celebration is ever complete without noodles, which symbolize long life and blessings.
They have Cupcakes and kakanin, the sweet treats like suman wrapped in banana leaves and cupcakes add joy to the table, perfect for both kids and adults.
And of course, they have salad, cooked bananas, sweet potatoes and white rice that ties everything together, because in a Filipino fiesta, rice is always the heart of every meal.
The table was full of simple but delicious home-cooked meals that are always enough to satisfy visitors and make them feel welcome.
What I love about our fiesta is that it’s not about how fancy the food is, but about the spirit of sharing. Even if the preparations are simple, everyone enjoys the meal because it is shared with love, laughter, and togetherness. Seeing the pictures made me miss home, but at the same time, it warmed my heart knowing that my family and the whole community were able to celebrate happily.
The feast of St. Roch reminds us not only of our faith but also of the importance of family and community. I may not be there physically, but in spirit, I was able to celebrate with them.
Viva Señor San Roque! Happy Fiesta, Minuhang!
Have a Blessed Saturday everyone! 😀😀😀💖💖💖
Thank You Lord for the blessings and love!
Be grateful in every little/simple things and you’ll find happiness you ever wanted! 😀😀😀
Everyday is worth to be grateful of!
Praying for the safety and wellness of all.
Heal Our Land Oh God!
Lovelots,
@shikika