Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. ~Author Unknown
Peregrine Laziosi, "The Cancer Saint", knew from personal experience how frightening it can be to suffer from this life-threatening disease. He was only twelve hours away from having his leg amputated when he experienced a miraculous healing. But let us begin at the beginning...
Peregrine was born into a wealthy family at Forli, in northern Italy in 1260 AD. His parents, and almost the whole city at that time were staunchly anticlerical. His father was a fiercely-loyal member of a political faction which was openly defiant to the Pope, Clement V. As Peregrine grew, he followed in his father's footsteps and joined the same anti-papal group.
After one particular uprising, the Pope sent a special representative, Philip Benizi, (later to become a saint himself) to Forli, to try to bring the divided community together. As Philip started to preach to the crowd, Peregrine ran up with a group of troublemakers, approached Philip and slapped him forcefully across the cheek. Philip said nothing, but silently turned his other cheek to the young man for a second blow. Peregrine was stunned by this reaction.
After a period of reflection, he returned to Philip to apologize. As the conversation between the two progressed, Peregrine came to see the logic, and to recognize the ring of truth and authenticity behind Philip's words. He was also impressed by the older man's great faith. Their acquaintance led to Peregrine's conversion and he joined the Catholic faith.
After this, he didn't feel like spending time with his friends anymore. He concentrated on prayer and on developing his spiritual life. It was reported that the Virgin Mary appeared to him and instructed him to go to Siena and join the monastic order called "The Servants of Mary", also known as the Servites. He did so. Coincidentally, the Superior who received him into the order was St. Philip Benizi.
In Siena, Peregrine studied for the priesthood and was ordained. He did many acts of penance to atone for his past transgressions. One of the penances he chose was to remain standing whenever it was not necessary to sit down. It was said that he did not sit down for over thirty years.
Eventually, he was sent back to Forli to start a new Servite house there. In his home town, he became well-known for his powerful preaching and his holiness. He was especially devoted to those who were sick and those living in poverty.
Because of all the time spent standing, Peregrine developed varicose veins. The veins in his right leg ulcerated and eventually the limb became cancerous. The pain became more intense as the cancer progressed. Finally, the doctors could offer no more help and advised amputation of the leg. Surgery was scheduled for the following morning.
That evening, Peregrine dragged himself to a room where there was a large crucifix. Laying on the floor at its base, he spent many hours in prayer before finally dozing off into a fitful sleep. He dreamed or had a vision that Christ came down from the cross, stretched out his hand and gently touched the diseased leg. In the morning, the cancer was gone and the leg was completely normal.
Peregrine lived on for another twenty years. He gained the reputation of being an outstanding priest, preacher and confessor. Many miracles were reported through his ministry. He died in 1345 AD at the age of 85. His body still rests in the Servite church at Forli, Italy, where it is greatly honored by the people.
In 1609, Pope Paul V declared him blessed, and he was canonized in 1609 by Pope Benedict XIII.
Like St. Paul, St Peregrine was converted after a misspent youth, during which he struggled against the Church. However, also like St. Paul, he went on to become one of the greatest saints of his day.
A Prayer to Saint Peregrine for Sick Relatives and Friends
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty", "The Wonder Worker" because of the numerous miracles which you obtained from God for those who have turned to you in their need. For so many years, you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being.
You turned to God when the power of human beings could do no more, and you were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His cross to heal your affliction. I now ask God to heal these sick persons whom I entrust to you: (here mention their names).
Aided by your powerful intercession, I shall sing with Mary a hymn of gratitude to God for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
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