St. Peregrine Laziosi

St. Peregrine Laziosi was born around 1260 in Forlì, Italy. As a young man he belonged to a family involved in the political conflicts of the time and was initially hostile to the Church. A decisive moment came when St. Philip Benizi, the Servite prior general, came to Forlì to preach reconciliation. Peregrine struck him, but Philip responded with meekness. The saint’s patience pierced the young man’s heart, and Peregrine repented.

He later entered the Servite Order in Siena and became a priest. Sent back to Forlì, he lived a life of penance, preaching and care for the poor. A well-known tradition says that he disciplined himself by standing whenever he could, avoiding unnecessary comfort. In his later years he developed a severe cancerous sore or tumor in his leg. Physicians decided that amputation was necessary.

On the night before the operation, Peregrine dragged himself before a crucifix and prayed with tears. He fell asleep and saw Christ descend from the cross and touch his diseased leg. When the doctor arrived the next day, the cancer was gone. This miracle made him the great patron of those suffering from cancer, serious wounds, AIDS and other grave illnesses.

Peregrine died in 1345 at about eighty-five. His body is venerated in Forlì, and tradition holds that it is incorrupt or remarkably preserved. Canonized in 1726, he remains one of the most beloved healing saints in Catholic devotion. His life unites conversion, penance and compassion for the sick. The young man once moved by anger became a priest whose own healing continues to give hope to those facing frightening disease.

Because the healing of his leg occurred after he had prayed before the crucified Christ, devotion to Peregrine has always joined bodily illness to the Passion. Cancer patients and their families turn to him not only for cures but for courage, repentance, patience and hope when treatment is frightening.

Servite devotion carried his cult widely, and many parishes still bless the sick through prayers asking his intercession. His story speaks with special tenderness to those who fear a diagnosis, surgery or long illness, because he knew bodily corruption and received healing from the wounded Christ.