A Saint for Our Times and Our Prodigals
Saint Peregrine was a brother in The Order of Servants
of Mary (the Servites) who, at age 60, suffered from cancer in his leg
which became so serious that it was to be amputated. The night before
surgery, Peregrine prayed before the crucifix. When he awoke, the
wound was healed and his leg saved. He lived to age 80. Peregrine is
well known as the patron saint of those suffering from cancer.
Servite men and women religious, through the St. Peregrine ministry of
healing and compassion, accompany caregivers and those persons who
live with serious illness, especially cancer, as they seek to find
healing, support, peace and God in their daily lives.
But, that's not the entire story of
Saint Peregrine. In a recent letter, Father Lawrence M Choate, OSM
wrote, "St. Peregrine is also relevant for another reason. He lived
in a time of great change in society when many young people had lost
their connection with God and church and had turned to
self-destructive behavior. In fact, as a teenager Peregrine was the
leader of a street gang and about as far away from Christ as we could
imagine. Yet even he was found by God and was led in time to join the
Servants of Mary where he discovered a real purpose in life serving
the sick and the poor. Thus, St. Peregrine is also the patron saint
of youth at risk."
What young people are more at risk than
those who are in danger of losing their souls? Let us turn to this
saint who understands what it is to be lost. Let us pray: St.
Peregrine, pray for us and for our children. Help us to heal our
hearts and our souls. Help us make a difference in the lives of our
prodigal loved ones. Help us bring them home to Jesus and His
Church. Amen.
The National Shrine of St. Peregrine is
located in Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica at 3121 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60612-2729 (773)638-5800 ♥ |