Are you or a loved one facing a serious illness like cancer? Discover the inspiring story and powerful intercession of Saint Peregrine, known around the world as the patron saint of cancer patients. Through his own miraculous healing and countless testimonies of others, Saint Peregrine has become a symbol of faith, strength, and hope for those in times of suffering.
This page brings together everything you need to know: his biography, miraculous prayers, a healing novena, and real-life testimonies of those who turned to him for help.
- 🙏 Prayer to Saint Peregrine
- 🕊️ Miracles and Healings Attributed to Saint Peregrine
- 🙏 Saint Peregrine’s novena
- 🙏 Prayer for Caregivers and Doctors
Who Was Saint Peregrine? – A Life of Conversion and Faith
Saint Peregrine Laziosi was born in 1260 in the town of Forlì, Italy, into a well-off and politically influential family. As a young man, he was fiercely involved in anti-papal movements and known for his violent temperament. However, his life took a dramatic turn after a profound encounter with a holy priest.
When Saint Philip Benizi, a Servite friar, visited Forlì to preach peace, the young Peregrine struck him in the face. In response, the priest humbly forgave him, and this unexpected act of mercy broke through Peregrine’s hardened heart. Deeply moved, he repented, experienced a powerful conversion, and later joined the Order of the Servants of Mary (Servites).
As a Servite friar, Peregrine embraced a life of penance, prayer, and service, especially to the poor and sick. He became a priest and was admired for his humility and dedication. Known for choosing to stand instead of sit as a personal penance, he eventually developed a cancerous wound on his leg, and doctors recommended amputation.
The night before the surgery, Saint Peregrine prayed intensely before a crucifix, entrusting his suffering to Christ. That night, he saw Jesus descend from the cross and touch his leg. The next morning, his cancer was gone.
This extraordinary healing became the foundation of his patronage for those suffering from cancer and other chronic illnesses. He was later canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726, and his feast day is celebrated on May 1st.
Miraculous Prayer to Saint Peregrine
O great Saint Peregrine, you have been called “The Mighty” and “The Wonder Worker”, because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more.
You were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen.
Why Is Saint Peregrine the Patron Saint of Cancer Patients?
Saint Peregrine’s miraculous healing from a cancerous leg made him a powerful symbol of hope for people facing life-threatening diseases. Since then, he has been venerated as the patron saint of cancer patients, as well as those suffering from AIDS, skin conditions, and chronic illnesses.
His life story—marked by radical conversion, humility, physical suffering, and unwavering faith—resonates deeply with the sick and their loved ones. People around the world ask for his intercession when medical solutions seem impossible.
Miracles and Testimonies Attributed to Saint Peregrine
Throughout the centuries, countless believers have turned to Saint Peregrine in prayer—and many have experienced extraordinary results.
The Miracle That Changed His Life
As mentioned, Peregrine’s own healing set the foundation for his reputation as a miracle worker. Facing amputation, he placed all his trust in God. His recovery is still considered one of the most remarkable healings in Church history.
Modern-Day Testimonies of Healing
Today, his intercession continues to be a source of strength and consolation. Many faithful report physical and emotional healings, peace during treatment, and unexpected recoveries.
Here are some common types of testimonies:
- Cancer patients sharing that tumors disappeared after completing his novena.
- Families finding strength and peace during chemotherapy and long hospital stays.
- Doctors expressing surprise at recoveries they cannot medically explain.
A Real Testimony: Melanie’s Story
In 2018, Melanie Cornejo, a young girl from Bahía Blanca, Argentina, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of sarcoma. Facing uncertainty, her family began praying to Saint Peregrine. Over several months of prayer and treatment—including the use of blessed oil associated with the saint—Melanie’s condition improved dramatically. Doctors later confirmed she was free of cancer.
Her family credits the healing to both the medical care and the spiritual power of Saint Peregrine’s intercession. Today, they work to promote devotion to him in their local chapel.
Read the full story (in Spanish) ›
Pilgrimage and Devotion to Saint Peregrine
Many people visit shrines dedicated to Saint Peregrine, especially the National Shrine of Saint Peregrine in Chicago. Pilgrims come to:
- Light candles in his honor
- Attend Healing Masses
- Pray novenas or specific healing prayers
- Leave written petitions for loved ones
These acts of faith are a powerful reminder that spiritual strength can accompany and support medical care.
Saint Peregrine Novena
Are you looking for the Novena of this miraculous Saint? Click here to find the novena
At the end of each day, recite the Prayer to Saint Peregrine and offer any personal intentions.
Prayer for Caregivers and Doctors
Heavenly Father, we also lift up the caregivers, nurses, and doctors who dedicate their lives to treating the sick. Grant them strength, wisdom, and compassion as they care for those in need. May they be instruments of Your healing grace.
Amen.
Faith and Hope in Suffering
Illness can shake the foundation of our lives, leaving us feeling helpless and afraid. But the story of Saint Peregrine reminds us that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone. His faith in the face of suffering and his miraculous healing point to a truth many have experienced: God is close to the brokenhearted.
Whether healing comes in body or spirit, prayer connects us with divine mercy and peace. Through Saint Peregrine’s intercession, we are invited to place our fears in God’s hands and trust in His perfect timing and love.
“With God, all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26
More Prayers and Devotions to Saint Peregrine
If you feel comforted by this story and prayer, consider exploring more ways to deepen your devotion:
Each of these pages is designed to bring hope, healing, and peace through prayer, reflection, and community.
Help Spread Hope
If this prayer to Saint Peregrine brought you peace, comfort, or healing, consider sharing it with someone who may need it today.
📲 Share on social media
💌 Send it to a loved one
🕯️ Light a virtual candle in his honor
You never know how a simple act of faith can change someone’s day—or their life. Together, we can bring hope to those facing illness, one prayer at a time.
