Candle of Saint Roch
Healing in long illness, protection of animals and the consolation of the pilgrim who cared for the sick
Candle of Saint Roch
7-day candle · stays lit for 7 days7 dias
The Saint Roch candle is the bedside candle. It appears on the small table next to the bed of someone recovering, in the home of someone caring for a bedridden father, and even near the little house of a sick dog. It is white, the most common color in Catholic devotion to him, and looks beautiful next to a statue of the pilgrim with the dog at his feet.
Roch was born into a wealthy family in Montpellier, France, and the dates of his life vary between the 13th and 14th centuries. Orphaned early, he gave his goods to the poor and set out on a pilgrimage. Along the path, he cared for plague victims in Italy, until he caught the disease himself. Isolated in a grove, he was saved by a dog that brought him bread every day. For this reason, he is a protector against epidemics, of the disabled, of surgeons, and of dogs. In Brazil, August 16 also became a day to greet Omolu (Omulu) in many terreiros.
At home, the Saint Roque candle does not promise a cure. It asks for relief, strength to continue treatment, and spirit for the caregiver, who often falls ill along with them. It is a gentle light, for many consecutive days, and invites the home to organize itself around the one who needs care.
What is it for
What the Saint Roch Candle Is For
The white Saint Roch candle is lit by those going through a long-lasting illness, by those who spend nights caring for a sick person, and by those who want to protect the dogs and the animals of the house. It is a candle of patience, of consolation, and of care.
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Strength in an illness that takes a long time to pass
For long treatment, recovery from surgery, or a wound that is slow to close. Light it asking for patience for the body and spirit to follow what the doctor ordered.
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Spirit for those who care for a sick person
Roque spent years caring for those no one wanted to touch. The candle is for the son, the wife, or the caregiver who is tired and needs strength for one more day.
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Protection of the dog and animals
The dog that brought bread to the saint made him the protector of animals. Light it when the house pet is sick, lost, or old, and take it to the veterinarian.
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Keep the family safe in times of contagion
Invoked against the plague since the Middle Ages, Roch is remembered when a disease runs through the city. Ask for protection for the house and take care of everyone's hygiene.
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Comfort for those who feel alone
Sick, Roque hid in the woods so as not to contaminate anyone. The candle accompanies those who keep the disease away from the family, in a hospital, or in an isolated room.
To whom it is dedicated
Devotion to Saint Roch
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Saint Roch
The pilgrim of the plague, friend of dogs
A pilgrim who cared for the sick, caught the plague, and was fed by a dog. He is shown with a staff, a gourd, his wounded leg exposed, and the dog with the bread. The white of the candle speaks of the healing that is requested.
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Obaluaê (Omulu)
Lord of healing and the earth, close to the saint
The exposed wound and the connection with the disease brought the saint closer to the orixá (orisha), and August 16 became the date of Omolu. Other houses link the orixá to Saint Lazarus. Many today separate the two and light black and white for Obaluaê.
Know Obaluaê (Omulu)
Also lit by
- Obaluaê Line
- Linha das Almas
- Protectors of animals
Prayer to light
Saint Roch candle prayer for those who are sick
“Saint Roch, who left your home to care for the sick and then knew what it was like to stay in bed, alone, in the middle of the woods, look over those who are suffering here. I light this white light next to the bed and ask for relief from the pain, patience for the treatment, and peaceful sleep on the longest nights. Bless the hands of those who care, which walk tired and sometimes sad. And remember also our animals, you who were saved by a faithful dog that brought you bread. May no one in this house feel abandoned, neither people nor animals. Long live Saint Roch!”Light the candle and pray
Step by step
How to consecrate the Saint Roch Candle
- 1
Choose a place near the one who suffers
If it is for a person, a small table in their room, away from the sheets and curtain. If it is for the animal, a high corner of the house, out of its reach.
- 2
Place the water and the bread
The glass of water stays next to the candle and the piece of bread in front. The bread reminds us of the dog that fed Roque in the woods and the sharing he practiced his entire life.
- 3
Say the name of the person who is sick
With the unlit candle in your hands, say the full name of the person or the name of the animal. Tell the saint, simply, how the treatment is going.
- 4
Light and say the prayer
Light it with a match and say the prayer on this page. If the sick person can, pray together with them, holding hands. Company is already part of the care.
- 5
Share the bread and let the candle finish
Do not blow. When the candle finishes, the bread goes to a street animal or to the birds, the water goes to the soil of a pot, and the leftover wax goes to the common trash.
Precautions before lighting
- The candle accompanies, never replaces the treatment. Follow the guidance of your doctor and, in the case of the animal, take it to the veterinarian.
- A candle in a sick person's room requires extra attention: on a firm surface, away from sheets, oxygen, curtains, and from anyone who moves a lot in bed.
- If you belong to a terreiro and want to consecrate Obaluaê, the one who guides color, day, and offering is the leader of your house. Devotion to the saint does not replace this foundation.
- Herbs for tea or ritual bath can have an effect on the body. Ask the doctor before giving any herb to someone who is sick or taking medication.
Ceromancy
What the flame of the Saint Roch Candle shows
Traditional terreiro reading. Before interpreting, check if there is no wind, crooked wick, or poor quality candle.
- Good sign
Gentle and constant flame
Many devotees read this as a prayer request being accepted and recovery following its own time. Continue the treatment with patience and without skipping any step.
- Attention
Weak flame that almost goes out
Some houses read this as the exhaustion of the caregiver. It is time to ask for help, share the task with someone, and sleep a little. Relight it later.
- Observe
Wax tears running down
It could be a low quality candle or heat in the room. Some read it as stored sadness. Talk with the sick person and let them speak.
- Attention
Dark smoke on the glass
It could be a high wick. Traditionally read as a heavy environment. Open the window, change the bed linens and, if the sign repeats, seek guidance in your faith.
- Good sign
Candle that ends quickly and cleanses
Some read this as a request delivered all at once. Thank the saint, share the bread and continue caring with the same affection.
Ritual bath and smoke cleansing (defumação)
Herbs that combine with the Candle of Saint Roch
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chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile tea for the caregiver who cannot sleep, taken while the Candle of Saint Roch burns in the sick person's room.
See the herb -
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
A sprig of rosemary near the candle perfumes the room and lifts the spirits of those who spend many days in bed or beside it.
See the herb -
Erva-de-Santa-Maria / Mastruz
Dysphania ambrosioides
Ancient herb of home remedies, used in house smoke cleansing (defumação) in many terreiros. Do not take without guidance: it can cause harm.
See the herb
Virtual Candle
Light the Saint Roch Candle now
Choose the type, write your request, and pay by PIX. The flame stays on the altar and you follow along through the link.
Place on the altarFrequently asked questions
Questions about the Saint Roch Candle
What is the Saint Roque candle for?
It serves to ask for strength in a lingering illness, spirit for those caring for a sick person, and protection for dogs and the animals of the house. It is a candle of comfort and patience, lit by Catholics and by many people from the terreiro in the month of August.
What is the day of Saint Roch and when to light the candle?
His day is August 16. Outside of that date, light it when someone in the house falls ill or is in recovery. Those who follow the connection with Obaluaê usually choose Monday, which is the day of the orixá during the week.
What is the difference between Saint Roque and Saint Lazarus?
They are two different saints. Roque was a French pilgrim from the Middle Ages who cared for plague patients. The Lazarus of the images with crutches and dogs is the beggar from the parable of Jesus. Both are linked to Obaluaê, and each house chooses one according to its tradition.
Can I light the Saint Roque candle for my dog?
You can. Saint Roque is remembered as the protector of dogs because of the animal that fed him in the woods. Light it in a high place, out of reach of the animal, say its name, and take it to the veterinarian. The candle is company, not treatment.
Is Saint Roque the same as Obaluaê?
No. Saint Roque is a Catholic saint and Obaluaê is an orixá of African origin. The visible wound and the theme of disease brought the two together in Brazil, in a historical syncretism. Today, many houses prefer to separate saint and orixá, with their own candles.
Can I leave the Saint Roque candle lit in the sick person's room?
You can, with care. Use a ceramic saucer or a glass holder, away from sheets, curtains, and oxygen cylinders, and never leave the candle without someone awake nearby. If there is no safe place, light it in the living room and pray from there.
