Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: September 15
When did Saint Roland live: 14th century AD
BIOGRAPHY:
The blessed Roland de' Medici belonged to the famous Milanese line of the Medici family. He chose a life of extreme asceticism and piety early on. For over 26 years, he lived as a hermit in the forests of Salsomaggiore near Parma. His life was marked by strict silence, fasting, and prayer in the open air, subsisting on roots and fruits. He was regarded as a mystic who often fell into ecstasy. After his death in 1386, he was venerated due to his holy lifestyle and the miracles attributed to his grave in the Dominican monastery of Busseto.
PATRONAGE:
Blesed Roland is the patron saint of woodcutters and is invoked for headaches and skull-related ailments.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of Blessed Roland are the pilgrim's staff with a double crossbar and a bell, indicating his steadfastness in prayer and his life as a Christian wanderer and hermit. The rosary at his belt with the crucifix symbolizes his deep devotion to meditative prayer and the contemplation of Christ's suffering. The gourd bottle at his side represents frugality and the simple life during his time in the wilderness.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Roland, Rolando, Rowland, Orlando, Orlandino, Lando, Roldán, Rouland, Rollie, Roly, Roel, Roeland, Rowlandson, Lorand, Roley, Orlandina, Rolande, Rolanda, Orlanda, Roldana.