Patron Saint of Cancer and AIDS
Saint Peregrine. Patronage of Breast Cancer and Sick People
Saint Peregrine began his adult life as an anti-Catholic and anti-papal protester but a violent encounter with a papal mediator resulted in his conversion.
Saint Peregrine Laziosi is the Patron Saint of cancer, cancer patients, breast cancer, open sores, sick people, skin diseases and AIDS sufferers.
The Birth, Youth and Conversion of Saint Peregrine
Peregrine was born in Forli, Italy in 1260 to a wealthy and worldly family. When grown Peregrine entered the world of politics and in particular campaigning against the Pope and Catholicism. At one point in his campaigning he met Saint Philip Benizi who was a papal peace negotiator. During a heated discussion he slapped Saint Philip across the face. Saint Philip, a pillar of his faith and the teachings of Christ, turned the other cheek and said a prayer for Peregrine. This great show of Christian patience and kindness overwhelmed Peregrine and he at once coverted.
Shortly after Peregrine had a vision of Our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary who told him to join the Servites, the Order of Servants of Mary, in Siena. Once ordained the nuns sent Peregrine back to Forli. Here he founded a Servite house.
The Penance of Saint Peregrine
Once ordained Saint Peregrine was so shamed and distraught by his earlier anti-Catholic activities that he felt the need for penance. Peregrine set his mind to work as much as possible in the name of God. When not working he committed himself to a life of silence, solitude and prayer. So upset was he that he attempted to pay penance further by not sitting down for thirty years.
The Death of Saint Peregrine
Saint Peregrine was found to have a rapidly spreading cancer in his foot. The cure most common at the time was amputation. The night before his operation Peregrine spent the whole night in prayer and received a vision of Christ. The morning after he was found to have been completely cured. Saint Peregrine did not then die until 1345 at the very old age at that time of eighty five years old. Peregrine's feast day is 1st May.
Prayer to Ask Saint Peregrine for Patience
Saint Peregrine, you have given us an example to follow; as a Christian you were steadfast in love; as a Servite you were faithful in service; as a penitent you humbly acknowledged your sin; afflicted you bore suffering with patience. Intercede for us, then, with our heavenly Father so that we steadfast, humble and patient may receive from Christ Jesus the grace we ask.
Prayer to Ask Saint Peregrine to Help a Patient
Dear Apostle of Emilia and member of the Order of Mary, you spread the Good News by your word and by your life witnessed to its truth. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured excruciating sufferings so patiently as to be healed miraculously of cancer in the leg. If it is agreeable to God, obtain relief and cure for {name of patient} and keep us all from the dread cancer of sin. Amen.
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