St. Peregrine
Patron Saint of Cancer Patients, Model of Conversion
📖 Life of St. Peregrine
Peregrine Laziosi was born of a wealthy family at Forli, Italy, in 1260. As a youth he was active in politics as a member of the anti-papal party. During one uprising, which the Pope sent St. Philip Benizi to mediate, Philip was struck in the face by Peregrine. When Philip offered the other cheek, Peregrine was so overcome that he repented and converted to Catholicism.
Following the instructions of the Virgin Mary received in a vision, Peregrine went to Siena and joined the Servites. It is believed that he never allowed himself to sit down for thirty years, while as far as possible, observing silence and solitude. Sometime later, Peregrine was sent to Forli to found a new house of the Servite Order.
An ideal priest, he had a reputation for fervent preaching and being a good confessor. When he was afflicted with cancer of the foot and amputation had been decided upon, he spent the night before the operation, in prayer. The following morning he was completely cured. This miracle caused his reputation to become widespread.
He died in 1345 at the age of eighty-five, and he was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. St. Peregrine, like St. Paul, was in open defiance of the Church as a youth. Once given the grace of conversion he became one of the great saints of his time. His great fervor and qualities as a confessor brought many back to the true Faith.
Afflicted with cancer, Peregrine turned to God and was richly rewarded for his Faith, enabling him over many years to lead others to the truth. He is the patron of cancer patients.
🌟 Legacy of St. Peregrine: From Persecutor to Patron of Healing
Model of Dramatic Conversion
St. Peregrine's legacy demonstrates the power of God's grace to transform even the most hardened hearts. His conversion from an anti-papal political activist to a holy priest shows that no one is beyond God's mercy and love. Like St. Paul, his dramatic conversion became a powerful witness to the transformative power of grace.
Patron of Cancer Patients
As the patron saint of cancer patients, St. Peregrine continues to bring hope and comfort to millions of people suffering from this devastating disease. His miraculous healing from cancer of the foot serves as a powerful reminder that God can work miracles even in the most desperate situations. His intercession is sought by cancer patients and their families worldwide.
Servite Order Founder
St. Peregrine's role in founding a new house of the Servite Order in Forli demonstrates his commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving the Church. His reputation as a fervent preacher and good confessor shows how God can use even former persecutors to bring others to faith. His ministry brought many back to the true Faith.
Model of Penance and Prayer
St. Peregrine's extraordinary penance of never sitting down for thirty years, combined with his practice of silence and solitude, shows his deep commitment to atoning for his past sins and growing in holiness. His example teaches us the importance of penance, prayer, and making reparation for our past mistakes.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Peregrine, Patron of Cancer Patients
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. Peregrine is celebrated on May 1st, commemorating his death and his lifelong dedication to serving God and the sick. This date falls during the Easter season, a fitting time to remember his miraculous healing and the hope he brings to those suffering from illness.
Healthcare Celebrations
In hospitals and cancer treatment centers around the world, especially those with Catholic affiliations, St. Peregrine's feast day is celebrated with special prayers and services. Cancer patients and healthcare workers often pray for his intercession in their battle against this disease.
Prayer and Devotion
The feast day is an excellent time to pray for cancer patients, for medical researchers, and to ask for St. Peregrine's intercession in helping us to trust in God's healing power. Many people also pray for the grace of conversion and the strength to make reparation for past sins.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Cancer Patients: Those suffering from cancer
- • Cancer Survivors: Those who have overcome cancer
- • Foot Problems: Those with foot ailments
- • Amputees: Those who have lost limbs
- • Forli: His hometown in Italy
- • Servite Order: The religious order he joined
Special Intentions
- • Conversion: Turning away from sin
- • Healing: Physical and spiritual healing
- • Penance: Making reparation for sins
- • Confession: Sacrament of reconciliation
- • Preaching: Proclaiming the Gospel
- • Miracles: Divine intervention in illness
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Peregrine
"St. Peregrine, patron of cancer patients, who was miraculously healed of cancer yourself, intercede for all those who suffer from this disease.
Help them to trust in God's healing power and to find strength in their suffering. May they, like you, turn to God in prayer and be rewarded for their faith.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Prayer for Conversion
"St. Peregrine, who experienced such a dramatic conversion from persecutor to saint, help us to be open to God's grace in our lives.
Teach us to recognize our sins and to make reparation for them through prayer and penance. May we, like you, become powerful witnesses to God's mercy and love. Amen."
Prayer for Healing
"St. Peregrine, who was completely cured of cancer through prayer, intercede for all those who are sick and suffering.
Help them to place their trust in God and to find comfort in their faith. May they experience God's healing love and be restored to health. Amen."