About St. Peregrine
St. Peregrine Laziosi, known as the patron saint of cancer patients, was a 13th-century Italian priest whose life was marked by a remarkable healing. Born into a wealthy family in Forli, Italy, he began as an anti-Catholic rebel but experienced a dramatic conversion after a violent encounter with St. Philip Benizi, who responded to Peregrine’s attack with forgiveness and prayer. After joining the Servite Order, Peregrine became known for his extreme penances, including standing for hours in prayer rather than sitting, which may have contributed to his developing a cancerous growth on his leg. When amputation seemed inevitable, he spent the night before surgery praying before a crucifix in the chapter room. According to tradition, he dozed off and dreamed of Jesus touching his leg; upon waking, he found his cancer completely healed. This miraculous cure led to his becoming one of the most popular saints invoked by those suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses. He continued his ministry until his death in 1345 at the age of 80, and was canonized in 1726.
Prayers & Devotions
