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Patron Saint of Cancer Patients:
St. Peregrine Laziosi
St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients, those who
have HIV as well as others who are afflicted with a variety of
chronic and life-threatening illnesses. St. Peregrine is also
specifically associated as the patron saint of those with breast
cancer, open sores as well as any skin disease.
A patron saint is iconic figure in the Catholic Church which
acts as a protector for a group of individuals or even for a geographic
location. In the instance of St. Peregrine Laziosi, his personal
encounter with cancer and open sores makes him the perfect patron
saint of cancer patients
Born in Forli, Italy in 1265, to a wealthy family, he was active
in politics as a young man as an anti-papist. This is a member
of the anti-Catholic political party. When the pope sent Philip
- who was destined to become a saint himself - to the city to
quell political problems, the impulsive Peregrine hit him on the
cheek.
Philip, though, didn't react as Peregrine had expected. For all
the pope's envoy did was to literally turn the other cheek, offering
that one to be hit as well.
This made the young man think seriously about the type of spirituality
and faith that allowed a man to do that. Soon Peregrine was changing
his habits. He set about doing good works. When Peregrine saw
a vision of the Virgin Mary, he knew he needed to join the Servites,
the religious order who dedicated their actions to the Virgin
Mother.
Upon completion of his training, the priest who came to hear
his vows to become a friar was Philip. Yes, the same priest who
the young Peregrine had struck that initiated his spiritual journal.
So overcome with remorse, Peregrine performed self-imposed penance.
He decided that whenever possible - and there was a choice -
he would stand instead of sit. So for the next 30 years, Peregrine
spent far more of his time standing than sitting. Consequently,
he not only eventually developed varicose veins, but open sores
on one of his legs.
The doctors of the time told him it was cancer. His foot was
scheduled for amputation. On the eve of the operation, Peregrine
visited a large statue of the crucifix - the figure of Christ
hanging on the cross - and prayed . . . and prayed. As he fell
into a trance-like state, Peregrine saw Christ, who touched his
affected foot.
When Peregrine came out of the trance he realized that Christ
had healed his foot and the amputation was not necessary.
St. Peregrine Laziosi makes the perfect patron saint of cancer
patients - and in fact, for any individual with a chronic or life-threatening
illness. His steadfast devotion to Christ, not only before his
illness, but all during that time, is a vivid example of a life
we should all try to emulate.
The true lesson in St. Peregrine's life is not really about the
miracle of healing, as stunning as that story is. But rather it
is about the daily miracle of lilving faithfully to God and Christ,
placing your entire faith and life in God's hands, in the face
of such a struggle.
Praying to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients,
is not only an ideal way to honor him, but is a perfect display
of your continuing faith in Christ.
St. Peregrine Patron Saint of:
Patron Saint cancer
Patron Saint breast cancer
Patron Saint open sores
Patron Saint skin diseases
Patron Saint of AIDS patients
Patron Saint of cancer patients
Patron Saint of sick people
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