St. Peregrine

Peregrine Laziosi was born in 1260 at Forli, Italy. Political trouble was stirring the Italian city-states and Peregrine was the son of a Ghibelline leader. The young man was bitterly against the Church. When St. Philip Benizi came preaching peace to Forli, Peregrine insulted him and hit him in the face. Philip turned the other cheek and Peregrine was struck with shame for what he had done. He begged the older man’s forgiveness, which was readily given. Later Peregrine was inspired to enter the Servite order. He was received at Siena in 1283. When his superiors wanted him to become a priest, Peregrine felt unworthy and had to be persuaded to accept the high calling. After his ordination, Peregrine founded a monastery in Forli and devoted himself to working for the peace of the city. He became known as a kind, understanding confessor. For many years he suffered an ulcerous cancer on his foot; people marveled at his patience, calling him a second Job. He prayed fervently the night before an operation to amputate his leg was to be performed. In the morning, his leg was completely healed. Peregrine died May 1, 1345. He is the patron of cancer patients, AIDS patients, those suffering ulcerous sores or skin diseases, and sick people in general. St. Peregrine Laziosi was canonized in 1726. His feast is May 1.