Do you want to know some interesting facts about St. Peregrine Laziosi?
St. Peregrine Laziosi, born in Forlì, Italy in 1265, began as a rebel but later became a highly cherished saint, particularly revered by Catholics dealing with life-threatening illnesses, notably cancer.
People know him as the patron saint for those dealing with cancer. Many turn to him in prayer for healing and solace. It’s not just cancer patients; those with AIDS or any incurable illness also seek his help. People ask him for both physical and spiritual healing, and some even believe they’ve experienced miraculous recoveries through his intercession.
But who was St. Peregrine, and what are some interesting facts about his life and miracles associated with him?
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14 Interesting Facts About St. Peregrine Laziosi
Here are some facts you may not know about this remarkable Italian saint.
1. His family was anti-pope
St. Peregrine Laziosi came from a well-off family in Forlì, a town in Northern Italy. During his time, Pope Martin IV placed a spiritual ban on Forlì, which meant they couldn’t use their churches.
St. Peregrine’s family belonged to a group called the Ghibellines, and they weren’t big fans of the Pope or his rules. The Ghibellines opposed His Holiness’ authority.
2. St. Peregrine punched another saint
St. Peregrine, back in his younger days, found himself caught up in some local politics in his hometown of Forlì. Things were pretty tense, and that’s when the Pope decided to send St. Philip Benizi, who was the leader of the Servite group, to Forlì. His mission was to bring back peace and order to the town.
The Servite friar, Philip Benizi, faced a lot of anger and violence from the Ghibellines – and St. Peregrine was right there with them. He was actually the leader of those young rebels.
One day, as Philip Benizi was speaking to a group of unhappy people, things took a violent turn. They yanked him off the platform, started hitting him with clubs, and even threw rocks at him. The young Peregrine, with a forceful punch to the face, knocked the friar down during this chaotic moment.
3. St. Peregrine was converted by St. Philip Benizi’s kindness and forgiveness
The moment the young Peregrine Laziosi threw that punch at Philip Benizi changed everything for him.
Rather than seeking revenge, St. Philip did something remarkable. He turned the other cheek and forgave St. Peregrine.
This act of humility and kindness had a deep impact on St. Peregrine. He was filled with great remorse for what he had done. So, he got down on his knees and asked St. Philip for forgiveness, and St. Philip smiled and forgave him.
After that incident, St. Peregrine had a big change of heart. He decided to turn his life around and became a dedicated follower of St. Philip and the Servites.
4. A vision told him to join the Servites
St. Peregrine listened to what St. Philip had advised him to do. He started to pray a lot in a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Mother at the Cathedral in Forlì.
One day, as he knelt there praying, something incredible happened. He saw a vision of the Blessed Mother, and in her hands, she held a black robe that looked just like the one the Servites wore. It was a special and meaningful moment for him.
One day, Peregrine had a vision where Our Lady told him something important. She said he should head to Siena and become a part of the Servites, or Servants of Mary, a religious order dedicated to serving Mary and the poor.
St. Peregrine went along and joined the order under the guidance of St. Philip. As he continued his journey, he became a really holy priest, known for his deep prayers, acts of self-discipline, inspiring sermons, and the incredible miracles he performed.
5. He founded a Servite monastery in his hometown
Once he became a priest, St. Peregrine went back to Forlì. Over there, he did some remarkable things. He started a Servite monastery and became well-known for his inspiring speeches, acts of kindness, wise advice, and his deep care for the sick and the less fortunate. St. Peregrine had a heart full of compassion for those in need.
6. He was dubbed the “Angel of Good Counsel”
People came to St. Peregrine for advice and asked him to pray for them. Because he was so wise and helpful, they started calling him the “Angel of Good Counsel.” He was deemed a guardian angel with great advice!
7. He converted many sinners and heretics
St. Peregrine had a special way about him. He was so good at talking to people that even those who didn’t like the Church couldn’t help but listen to him.
St. Peregrine managed to change the minds and hearts of a lot of folks who were doing wrong things or didn’t believe in the Church anymore. His words and actions had a big impact, and he brought many people back to the right path.
8. He developed varicose veins from standing as a form of penance
St. Peregrine was incredibly dedicated to doing penance by standing for long periods, which caused him to develop varicose veins in his legs.
He was so committed to this practice that he wouldn’t sit down, even while eating, sleeping, or giving sermons. The only times he sat were when he needed to hear confessions or perform Mass.
9. He suffered from a cancerous tumor on his right leg
At the age of 60, St. Peregrine was suffering from a cancerous growth on his right leg. This caused him extreme pain and was incurable by doctors back in those days. The pain got so bad that he eventually agreed with the surgeon who said they should amputate his leg.
10. The cancer in his leg was healed miraculously
The night before they were going to amputate St. Peregrine’s leg, he prayed really hard in his monastery’s chapter room, right in front of a crucifix.
While he was praying, he fell asleep and had a dream. In his dream, he saw Jesus coming down from the cross and touching his leg, and just like that, he was completely healed.
When the surgeon checked his leg the next day, they couldn’t find any sign of the disease. The surgeon was so amazed he declared it a miracle.
11. He kept the miracle a secret
St. Peregrine was incredibly humble. He didn’t tell anyone about the miraculous healing he experienced, not even his fellow Servites. He just kept on wearing his habit with his leg bandaged, as if nothing extraordinary had occurred.
The reason people found out about his miracle is quite unusual. It only came to light after he passed away when doctors examined his body and found the scar on his leg.
12. Some people were healed when St. Peregrine whispered “Jesus” in their ears
The people of Forlì appreciated him even more after learning of the miraculous healing. Whenever they got sick, they’d ask him to pray for them. Some of them actually were healed when St. Peregrine whispered “Jesus” in their ears.
13. He performed miracles even after death
Besides being a wise advisor, St. Peregrine was known for performing incredible miracles like making food and wine appear when people were really hungry and there wasn’t enough to go around.
After St. Peregrine passed away in 1345, something incredible happened. People started reporting all sorts of miracles, especially in Spain. The Church credited him with over 300 healings, such as making cancer and other sicknesses go away, just in one city there, from 1694 to 1726!
14. His feast day is May 1st
St. Peregrine Laziosi passed away on May 1st, 1345, when he was 85 years old. Pope Benedict XIII officially declared him a saint in 1726, and his feast day is remembered and celebrated on May 1st each year.