St. Peregrine Laziosi was born in Forli, Italy, in 1265. The name Peregrine means pilgrim or traveler. At age 17, Peregrine was the leader of a gang of youths in Forli who were taking part in the anti-papal movement. St. Philip Benizi, prior general of the Order of Servants of Mary, went to Forli to bring peace to the city. Peregrine and his companions heckled Philip as he spoke and then attacked him by throwing stones. Peregrine was remorseful for the wrong he had done Philip. Philip forgave Peregrine and recommended that he go to the Cathedral of Forli and pray to Mary, asking her for guidance. Peregrine followed this advice and later asked to be admitted to the Order of Servants of Mary. Later in life, Peregrine was afflicted with cancer on his leg. The doctor recommended amputation as the only course of action. The night before surgery, Peregrine prayed before a large crucifix in the monastery. His prayer led to sleep.
During his sleep he dreamed that the crucified Christ lifted his hand from the cross and touched the sore on his leg, immediately healing the cancer. When Peregrine awoke, the cancer was gone. Peregrine continued his life of preaching and penance for another 20 years. He died at the age of 80 on May 1, 1345. In 1726, he was solemnly canonized by Pope Benedict XIII and was named the official saint of the Church for the cure of cancer. |
|
