Novena to St. Peregrine

Life of Peregrine Laziosi

Peregrine Laziosi (1260–1345) is a revered saint of the Roman Catholic Church and is widely known as the patron saint of cancer patients and those suffering from serious illnesses because of a miraculous healing he experienced.

Early Life

Born: around 1260

Birthplace: Forlì

Peregrine was born into a wealthy and influential family. As a young man, he became involved in anti-papal political movements that opposed the authority of the Church.

At the time, the city of Forlì supported a faction that resisted the Pope’s influence.

Conversion

One day a priest from the Order of the Servants of Mary, Philip Benizi, came to preach peace in Forlì. During the encounter, the angry young Peregrine struck Philip Benizi in the face. Instead of reacting with anger, Philip calmly offered forgiveness and turned the other cheek. This act deeply shocked Peregrine.

That night Peregrine experienced a powerful change of heart. He repented and later joined the Servite Order, dedicating his life to God.

Religious Life

As a Servite friar, Peregrine lived a life of extreme penance, prayer, and service. Some aspects of his life included, long hours of prayer, fasting and self-discipline, caring for the sick and poor, preaching repentance. He became known for holiness and humility.

The Illness

Later in life, Peregrine developed a serious disease in his leg, believed to be cancer or a severe infection.

The condition became so severe that doctors decided his leg needed to be amputated.

The night before the surgery, Peregrine prayed intensely before a crucifix of Jesus Christ, asking for strength and mercy.

The Miracle

According to tradition, while he was praying, Jesus appeared to him and touched his diseased leg. The next morning, when doctors examined him, the cancer had completely disappeared. Because of this miraculous healing, Peregrine became known as the patron saint of cancer patients.

Death and Canonization

Died: May 1, 1345

Place: Forlì

His reputation for holiness spread quickly after his death. He was canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII.

Patronage

St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients those suffering from incurable diseases people with serious illness those undergoing surgery.

Feast Day

His feast day is celebrated on May 1 in the Catholic Church.

Legacy

Today many hospitals and prayer groups dedicated to cancer patients invoke St. Peregrine’s intercession.

His shrine in Forlì continues to attract pilgrims seeking healing and hope.

Novena to St.Peregrine

Opening Prayer (Pray Each Day)

O great Saint Peregrine, you have been called “The Mighty” and “The Wonder Worker” because of the many miracles obtained from God through your intercession.

For many years you bore in your own flesh the painful disease that destroyed the very marrow of your bones.

When the power of man could do no more, you were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction.

Obtain for me the grace I now ask of God:

(Mention your intention here)

Help me to imitate your patience, faith, and trust in God’s mercy.

Amen.

Day 1 – Faith in God

Saint Peregrine, you trusted completely in God even during illness.

Prayer:
Pray that I may always keep strong faith in God during trials and sickness.