Peregrine Laziosi was born in Forli, Italy and raised in a community that opposed the pope and was politically active in the anti-papal party. The Pope sent St. Philip Benizi in an effort to bring the community back into the fold. As St. Philip preached, Peregrine struck him in his face. When St. Philip offered the other check, Peregrine was so affected that he repented and converted to Catholicism. In a vision, the Virgin Mary instructed him, and he went to Siena and joined the Servites. He returned to Forli to found a new house of the Servite Order. Once given the grace of conversion, he brought many back to the true Faith. He never allowed himself to sit down for thirty years. He developed varicose veins and cancer of the leg. Amputation was determined to be the treatment. He spent the night before the operation in prayer and experienced the vision of Jesus touching his leg from the cross. The next morning he was completely cured of the cancer. He is the Patron Saint of cancer patients. His body has been preserved in the Sanctuary since 1345 at the Basilica of St. Peregrino Laziosi. His Feast Day is May 4.

~~

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.