Statue of St Roch in Prague (1751)

Bruno Bertucci (1881-1933) was born in Simbario, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy. Nickname: City of a Hundred Spires Motto: Praga Caput Rei publicae Location within the Czech Republic Coordinates: Country Czech Republic Region Capital City of Prague Founded 9th century Government  - Mayor Pavel Bém Area  - City 496 km²  (191. ... Simbario is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Vibo Valentia in the Italian region Calabria, located about 40 km southwest of Catanzaro and about 20 km east of Vibo Valentia. ... Country Italy Region Calabria Province Catanzaro (CZ) Mayor Rosario Olivo (since June 2006) Elevation 342 m Area 111. ... View in Calabria. ...

Records in the Parish archives show that “The Society of San Rocco Di Simbario” (Italy) was officially founded in April of the year 1920 by Bruno Bertucci. ^[1]

Bruno Bertucci owned and operated a famous small grocery store at the corner of 24th Street and Princeton Avenue, in Chicago. It was a time when the Italian people were looked down upon, and they had no one to turn to except their own.

Bruno Bertucci had developed a leg infection, and after quite a few examinations, the doctors told Bruno that his leg would have to be amputated. His faith was never shaken. He believed that God through the intercession of Saint Rocco would not let this happen to him. Catholics know that St. Rocco is a Saint known to cure the gravely ill and hopeless. Saint Roch Saint Roch (Latin: Rochus; Italian: Rocco; French: Roch; Spanish and Portuguese: Roque; c. ...

At this time, Bruno made a solemn promise to St. Rocco and a nine day novena while in the hospital that if St. Rocco would intercede and ask our Lord to cure him and spare his leg, he would start a society in his honor. The Lord answered his prayers.

References

1. ^ St.Theresa's Chicago's Chinatown Website - Saint Rocco Festival