St. Peregrine, Patron Saint of Cancer

By Doug Herman

Peregrine Laziosi (1265-1345) was born in Forli, Italy, the only son of well-to-do parents. In his teens he joined the enemies of the Pope in his hometown and soon became a ringleader of rebels. After fighting the Pope’s delegation, he had a vision of the Blessed Mother holding in her hands a black habit like the one the Servites wore. “Go to Siena,” Mary told Peregrine. “There you will find devout men who call themselves my servants. Attach yourself to them. One of Peregrine’s slogans as a Servite may well have been: “Better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today!” People took to calling him the “Angel of Good Counsel,” so grateful were they for his wise advice so freely given.

After being ordained a priest he went to Forli to found a Servite monastery. A few years later a cancerous growth appeared on his right foot. It was so painful that he finally agreed with the surgeon who wanted to amputate. The night before the scheduled surgery, Peregrine spent hours in prayer. Then he dozed off and had a dream that Christ was touching him and healing his foot. The thrill of it woke him up. In the dim moonlight he saw that his foot, carefully bandaged a few hours earlier was completely healed.

The Forlineses appreciated him still more after learning of the miraculous cure. When they were sick, they appealed to his prayers. Some were cured when he whispered “Jesus” into their ears. Peregrine died on May 1st, 1345, and was ranked with the saints in 1726. Thousands of clients pay him special honour on May 1st each year.

For any that suffers from cancer or knows someone that suffers with cancer, St Peregrine is a compassionate miracle worker, curing cancer, simply by whispering “Jesus” in one’s ear.