Saint Peregrine in ivory.
Saint Peregrine was born in the city of Forli, Romagna, Italy, in 1265. He grew up among a population known for its reactionary and anarchic spirit. He was an idealistic, untimely young man, with the nickname Hurricane. In his youth, Peregrino participated in the Ghibelline movement. It was a group linked to the emperor, which fought against the Pope.
The Conversion of Saint Peregrine
One of the seven founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary and prior general of the Order, Saint Philip Benizi, went to Forli with the mission of pacifying the population. In one of his speeches asking for peace, the group of the Pope's enemies expelled São Filipe from the city with great violence, and São Peregrino, who was part of the group, attacked him with punches and slaps.
Coming to his senses later, he regretted having attacked a servant of God. Therefore, Peregrino went after Father Filipe to ask for forgiveness. Saint Philip forgave him and welcomed him with love, without resentment. Saint Philip's forgiveness and love deeply touched Saint Peregrino's heart, until then accustomed to resentment, revolt, and revenge.
From that time on, Peregrino began to pray to the Virgin Mary begging for his conversion and for the Mother of Jesus to show him which path he should follow. Shortly afterwards, at the age of thirty, he went to the city of Siena where he joined the Order of the Servants of Mary, the same as Father Philip Benizi.
Saint Peregrine and his penances
Over the years, Peregrino returned to Forli and worked with the city's poor with great dedication and love. Penance was always present in his life. He regretted past mistakes and sins and confessed whenever he felt the need.
Sometimes he even punished himself physically. When he was tired, he would lie down on the church pew or on the hard floor. When he was sleepy, he often didn't lie in bed, but on the floor. For thirty years, he fulfilled a penance imposed on himself: he always stood up, never sat down.
Cancer Protector
At the age of 60, because of this sacrificed lifestyle, he was struck by cancer, with a malignant wound on his right leg. Seeing no chance of a cure, the doctor was forced to amputate Saint Peregrine's leg to save his life. During that night, however, he dragged himself to the prayer room, where there was a painting of Jesus crucified on the wall.
He prostrated himself at the foot of the cross and cried out for the cure of that evil disease. He was enveloped in such profound ecstasy that he saw Jesus come down from the cross painted on the wall and touch his sick leg. When he woke up, he sent for the doctor, who confirmed that a true miracle had occurred, as Saint Peregrine's leg was completely healed and did not need to be amputated.
Because of this fact, he began to be venerated and invoked as the protector against cancer. Many people have achieved graces and miracles of healing from this disease even today asking for the intercession of Saint Peregrine.
Death and Miracles
