Many of us know someone who is struggling with some form of cancer. It is a pervasive and frightful disease that has affected many of our parishioners and their loved ones. Shortly before his passing, our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, addressed the importance of God’s presence as one deals with cancer. The publication, “Catholic News Service”, reported that Pope Francis reminded the faithful that “it is not easy living with cancer.” Speaking specifically about children stricken with cancer, he stated that with the support of family, friends and others, we should not get discouraged, and indicated, “…there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.”
As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, we are invited to pray to St. Peregrine, asking for his intercession in our time of need. There is a statue of St. Peregrine in our Church. Many do not know that he is the patron of all those afflicted by cancer and other illnesses. As previously noted, the publication, “Franciscan Mission Associates”, provided a brief glimpse into his background. It stated that he “… led a life of quiet prayer, solitude and repentance for many years. His life took an unexpected turn when a painful cancerous tumor developed on his foot, requiring amputation. The night before surgery, St. Peregrine spent hours in prayer, then fell asleep and dreamt of Jesus touching and healing his foot. Upon waking, he was cured! During the rest of his lifetime and beyond, many miracles of healing have been attributed to St. Peregrine’s prayers.”
The publication also provided a Novena of prayer to St. Peregrine asking for spiritual healing, with emphasis over nine days on: “faith, love, humility, perseverance, gratitude, honor thy elders, peace, joy, and the glory of heaven.” Many Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our nation have participated in this Novena.
The following prayer to St. Peregrine, “For Those with Cancer”, asks for his intercession and assistance:
St. Peregrine,
when stricken with cancer, you wisely sought and received Jesus’ assistance.
Today you continue to seek His healing for others afflicted with this devastating disease.
Please intercede for our loved ones with cancer.
Help them live life to the fullest, free as possible from pain and worry.
May they be granted strength to endure and God willing, a miraculous healing. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to be more sensitive to those struggling with some form of cancer, and reach out to them in their time of need.