St. Peregrine

St. Peregrine was born Peregrine Laziosi in 1260. He was the only child to an affluent Italian family. His family were supporters of an anti papal faction. St Philip Benizi was sent to try and resolve the breach. Peregrine met St. Philip with heckles and violence, even striking him. Peregrine and others drove St. Philip from the city. Eventually, Peregrine saw his error and asked Philip for forgiveness.  Peregrine was embraced with love from Philip which had a profound impact on him spiritually. A few years later he became a priest of the Servite order. He became known as “The Angel of Good Counsel”, even multiplying grain and wine during severe shortages. At the age of 36 he developed a serious infection in his leg which deteriorated so quickly, doctors wanted to amputate.

However, the night before his surgery he fell into a deep trance-like sleep while praying and saw Jesus descend and touch his wound. The next day the doctors found no infection.

St. Peregrine died on May 1, 1345 at age 85.

He is the patron saint of cancer, AIDS and illness.