Why is St. Peregrine invoked by the sick?

Tradition relates that he was miraculously healed of a tumor in his leg after spending the night in prayer before the crucifix.

Saint Peregrine

Feast day: May 1

Servite who overcame cancer through faith, patron of those with cancer.

Saint Peregrine Laziosi was born in Forlì, Italy, in 1260. In youth he opposed the Church, but converted after being struck by St. Philip Benizi.

He entered the Servite Order and devoted himself to penance, preaching, and works of charity in his hometown.

At sixty, he developed a malignant tumor in his foot requiring amputation. The night before surgery, he spent hours in prayer before a crucifix.

Upon waking, he was miraculously healed. The wound had vanished, and he resumed his apostolic work for three more decades.

He died in 1345, at eighty-five, in the odor of sanctity. He was canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII.

His feast is celebrated on May 1. He is patron of those with cancer and all who seek healing and resignation in suffering.

To the patron of those suffering from cancer, we ask for healing, comfort, and resignation to God's will.