Early Life and Background

St. Peregrine M. Loutiosi, also known as St. Peregrine Laziosi, was born in 1260 in the city of Forlì, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. His family belonged to the Italian nobility, and he spent his early years within the influence of the political and social turbulence characteristic of medieval Italy. At that time, Forlì was a stronghold of anti-papal sentiment, and like many young men around him, Peregrine was drawn into the political passions of his environment.

Conversion and Spiritual Transformation

In his twenties, Peregrine was actively involved in the anti-papal movements, and it was during this period that he had a life-changing encounter. In 1283, St. Philip Benizi, the Prior General of the Servite Order (Order of Servants of Mary, O.S.M.), visited Forlì on a mission of reconciliation. Peregrine, initially hostile, participated in a public demonstration against the papal envoy and, in an impulsive act, struck Philip Benizi on the face. St. Philip, instead of reacting in anger, turned the other cheek, embodying Christ’s teachings of forgiveness and peace (cf. Matthew 5:39). This profound act of humility and charity deeply moved Peregrine, leading to a personal crisis and eventual conversion.

Peregrine repented of his actions, sought forgiveness from St. Philip, and began to reform his life. He committed himself to prayer, penance, and acts of charity, often spending hours in the local cathedral, seeking solace and spiritual guidance.

Religious Life with the Servites

Inspired by St. Philip Benizi and the witness of the Servite friars, Peregrine sought admission to the Order of the Servants of Mary, known for their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and their emphasis on the virtues of compassion and service. He entered the novitiate at Siena and professed his solemn vows, receiving the religious habit of the Servite Order.

Peregrine was known for his ascetic lifestyle. He practiced severe penances, including long fasts and vigils, and often stood for hours in prayer. Tradition holds that he would sometimes spend entire nights before the tabernacle, interceding for the needs of others. His devotion to the Mother of God and to the Passion of Christ became hallmarks of his spirituality.

Ministry and Miracles

Upon his ordination as a priest, Peregrine returned to Forlì, where he dedicated himself to serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. He became especially renowned for his compassionate care of the ill, tending to those afflicted by diseases that were often neglected by others.

In his late fifties, Peregrine himself suffered from a malignant tumor in his leg, which was diagnosed as cancerous. The illness progressed to such an extent that amputation was recommended as the only option. On the night before the scheduled surgery, Peregrine spent hours in prayer before a fresco of the Crucifixion in the chapter room. According to tradition, he fell into a deep sleep and, in a vision, saw Christ descend from the cross to touch and heal his leg. When he awoke, the tumor had vanished, and he was miraculously cured.

This event became widely known and contributed to his reputation as a wonder-worker. Many began to seek his intercession, especially for healing from serious illnesses, particularly cancer.

Death and Canonization

Peregrine continued his ministry for several more years, living a life marked by humility, obedience, and charity. He died peacefully in Forlì on May 1, 1345, at the age of 85.

His tomb quickly became a place of pilgrimage, with reports of miraculous cures attributed to his intercession. Peregrine’s reputation for holiness grew, and devotion to him spread beyond Italy, particularly among those who suffered from chronic illnesses.He was beatified in 1609 by Pope Paul V and was canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. The process of canonization included thorough investigations of his life and the miracles attributed to his prayers, notably the healing of those with cancer and other grave diseases.

Cancer be gone in the Name of Jesus!