Many of us know someone who is struggling with some form of cancer. It has affected many of our adult parishioners, some of their children, and their other loved ones. As we know, cancer can be a debilitating disease and can impact people of all ages. There are many different types of cancer. Among the more common types are breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer. Modern medicine has made great progress in reducing cancer rates and improving cancer survival, but much work still needs to be done.
In addition to obtaining appropriate medical treatment, we encourage those suffering from cancer to seek the intercession of St. Peregrine. He is the patron saint of those afflicted with cancer and other illnesses. Included among the many statues of saints in our Church is a statue of St. Peregrine.
His association with cancer began when he had a cancerous tumor on his foot, which would require amputation. The night before his scheduled surgery on his foot, St. Peregrine fell asleep during prayer, had a dream of Jesus touching his foot, and upon awakening, he was cured. Since then, many miracles of healing have been attributed to St. Peregrine. We are invited to learn more about St. Peregrine and ask for his special intercession, especially in these difficult and uncertain times when cancer, in many different forms, is so prevalent in our society.
The following “Prayer to St. Peregrine” provided by the media outlet “THE CATHOLIC CRUSADE” asks for his intercession for all those struggling with this debilitating disease:
We honor you, St. Peregrine, as a mighty wonder worker,
because of the miracles obtained through your intercession
for persons who had recourse to your kind and powerful prayers.
For many years, you were afflicted with the same cancerous disease
from which thousands now suffer.
When the power of man could do no more,
you were favored with a vision of Jesus leaning
down from His cross and touching and healing you.
Trusting in your compassion and readiness to help,
we request your prayerful support for our sick relatives and friends.
May the gracious blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, descend upon all our sick relatives and friends.
May it be accomplished by the complete cure which they desire and for which we pray.
Intercede for us all, St. Peregrine,
that we may be sincerely grateful for every healing,
every favor and grace from the Lord God, who is ever glorified in His saints. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, as a faith community, 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.