Knowing the St Peregrine Prayer – Why it is important.
One of the best known of the Catholic Church devotions is the prayer to St. Peregrine Laziosi (usually known simply as the St Peregrine Prayer). The patron saint of cancer and other incurable diseases, the intercession of St Peregrine is an invitation to believers to a greater understanding of anguish, hope and healing power of God.
Some of the reasons why prayer is important.
It relates the believers to the life and witness of St Peregrine who himself had a progressive cancerous illness and was cured.
It does not only demand physical healing, but it also welcomes a renewal of our perception of suffering, our connection with God and our future of eternal existence.
It is a spiritual aid to the terminally ill, and to the people who come with them (family, friends, caregivers).
It augments the greater Christian concept of intercession, community supplication, and sacrificial affection.
This article, by examining the origin of the prayer, prayer text, the how to pray it (including novena forms) and how to make it a part of life in the spiritual life of the person, should provide a comprehensive and informative guide.
Who was St Peregrine? — History and religious background
Early life and conversion
Peregrine Laziosi was born around 1260 in Forli, Italy. During his young age, he was said to have been of a hard temper, and was in enmity with the papacy. He, however, with the help of saintly advice (and especially the counsel of St. Philip Benizi), had a great conversion, and entered the Servite Order (Order of the Servants of Mary).
His disease, curing and beneficence.
Among the most well-known things about the life of St Peregrine is that he had a cancerous ulcer in his leg (or foot) which, in those days, would most certainly result in being amputated. It is said that during the time he was praying in the presence of a crucifix, he was shown an appearance of Christ descending off the Cross to heal him and the illness was gone.
Due to this experience (and his later ministry of compassion and prayer), the Church named him the patron saint of cancer patients, AIDS and other illnesses that are life threatening.
Legacy and devotion
St Peregrine is observed on the 1st of May (but in other places on different days). His life has made him a source of shrines, devotions and most of all prayers that center on healing and faith in the will of God.
Variations and the Text of the St Peregrine Prayer
Traditional prayer in the face of the sick and dying.
A commonly employed text starts with:
O dear St. Peregrine, that you have been named by people, The Mighty, The Wonder-Worker, owing to the many miracles you have caused to be granted to those who have resorted to you. So many years had you in your very belly carried this cancer that secretes the same infested vitreous blood, which is the poison of all possessive souls, teaching us to adhere to the origin of all our grace when the strength of man had failed in its endeavours. Request God and Our Lady the healing of the sick whom we commit to you. (Take a moment and mentally remember the names of the ill whom you are praying to.) Through your mighty intercession we will sing to God, here and forever henceforth, a song of praise to His mighty goodness and mercy. Amen.”
In this reading physical recovery is noted through healing of the ill (the cure of the sick) and praising God due to mercy and healing.
A prayer of individual power and acceptance.
Another version reads:
St. Peregrine is my friend and patron. Sacrifices, come to me, and I will imitate you in bearing the sufferings, and I will unite myself with Jesus Crucified, and the Mother of Sorrows, in the manner you did…. But when it is the life of God that I am sick, it gives me courage and strength to submit to these trials through the gracious hand of God patiently and very humbly resignantly…
This version highlights tolerance and the spiritual aspect of pain.
Novena format
Novena is a 9 days prayer ritual; the St Peregrine Novena is based on a repetitive text on each day and with a specific purpose of that day. The novena also helps the believers to continue their prayers, particularly in the case of a severe disease or a patient who is awaiting a cure. A theme such as hope, courage, joy, selflessness etc. might be added to each day.
The Peregrine Prayer: How to say the St Peregrine Prayer – How-To.
Choose your intention
Start by defining what you want (whether you are doing it yourself or others) – to be healed, to be comforted in their suffering, to be strengthened or to be contented with the will of God. All these are highlighted in the texts that are quoted.
Prepare your heart
Silnify the scene and change of heart to God.
Realise that you need the mercy and power of God.
Consider what was said by St Peregrine: his pain, endurance, recovery.
Pray the words
You may use one of the above versions or any modified version that you have always with respect to the liturgical norms of the Church (particularly when it is used in a group).
Follow-through and follow-up the prayer.
Prayer followed with Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be (at your discretion) should follow.
You can put a physical object beside you when you are praying (say a small card or picture of St Peregrine) to remind you of petition and trust.
In case of a novena: repeat the same prayer on nine days in a row, but it may include brief reflections or themes daily.
Integrate into daily life
It is important to remember that prayer is only a component of a greater spiritual life: go to Mass, take the sacraments where possible, make your misery one with Christ.
Believing that healing is going to come either in the manner you anticipate it coming or not, the prayer opens a channel of greater unification with God.
Stay with the ill: when you are praying on behalf of another, do not lose touch, be present, listen, give hope.
Themes of the Prayer and Spiritual Meaning.
Redemptive meaning and suffering.
The St Peregrine Prayer does not simply request relief, it also requests a way of seeing things, suffering when combined with the suffering of Christ can be given sense. The life of St Peregrine shows us that all looks hopeless but this can lead to holy life.
Hope & trust in God’s will
It is a confession of human inability to do anything more, the might of man being insufficient, and it falls back to the superior ability of God. It also calls us to believe that despite the sickness, God exists, and our prayers take effect.
Intercession & community
At the time we address St Peregrine we are in a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) in faith. We also believe that our prayers of petitions are important to us, to the community of believers and to the glory of God.
Healing- physical and spiritual.
Although a lot of people request it to be physically healed, the prayer opens the door to other forms of healing: emotional, relational, spiritual (peace with God, reconciliation, hope). The miracle of the healing of St Peregrine is literal and symbolic.
CRM: How to make the Prayer part of your life.
Tip 1: Develop a tiny prayer room.
Prepare a small niche containing a picture or a statue of St Peregrine (or a print card of the prayer), a candle and you may keep a journal so that you can note as you pray how you are feeling.
Tip 2: Combine the prayer and action.
When you (or a loved one of yours) are sick, then go with any prayer with physical expression: visit, listen, help, bring a meal, pray with others. Compassionate action supplements the prayer.
Tip 3: the prayer should be used on a regular basis and not only during a crisis.
Although it is quite reasonable to resort to the use of the prayer during crisis, its frequent use (e.g., every week or month) will help develop a practice of trust and recognition of the presence of God even in everyday life.
Tip 4: meditate about the themes of the prayer.
Take a few minutes after prayer, meditating on one of the major themes: e.g., Meaning What does it mean to accept my suffering? or how shall I rely upon the will of God, when I know not? This meditation is useful in turning the prayer into interior development.
Tip 5: Go community/corporate.
In case you belong to a parish or in a small group, then you can pray the St Peregrine Prayer together, maybe you do this when you have a healing service or a prayer group. Telling the purpose and praying on behalf of others increases the effectiveness of the prayer.
Testimonials and Spiritual Influence in Real Life.
Thousands of faithful have said, though this paper cannot catalogue them, that praying to St Peregrine has given them comfort, hope, new courage or even healing out of a clear blue sky. The prayer makes us remember that when the medical resources are scarce, the spiritual ones are endless. Community intercession, the connection of our misery with that of Christ, the belief in the mercy of God are all repeated in Catholic devotion.
Warnings and Pastoral Care.
Even though prayer is important, it does not replace medical attention. Representatives of faith should address proper medical care besides praying.
Prayer must never be employed to accuse someone of their sickness (i.e. alleging that they did not have faith hence they got sick). The aspect of suffering does not necessarily follow personal sin.
Balance of the expectation of a healing and the Christian concept of redemptive suffering and the possibility of God operating through suffering even in the case of no cure should be put in place.
Guarding against miracle-hunting philosophy the Church is discriminating in its recognition of miracles proper and other forms of healing, and final healing might be in resurrection and not instant bodily healing.
Conclusion
The St Peregrine Prayer is not just a formula, it is an invitation to a higher spiritual experience. It is a prayer that gives you a bridge: a bridge between pain and hope, a weakness and faith, the physical and the immortal.
You are facing illness or are supporting one who is, or just need to be closer to God than you feel you are, or you are just going through some tribulations in life and need to be reminded that there is a bridge: a bridge between pain and hope, a weakness and faith, the physical and the eternal.
What appears impossible to man, as even St Peregrine himself, teaches us, is possible with God; and the force of petition, the prayer of community and belief in the will of God can change our hearts.
May God give you in this prayer some comfort, strength and restored hope.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Q1: Is it only possible to pray this prayer by people who have cancer?
A: No. Although St Peregrine is mostly called upon by individuals with cancer and life-threatening diseases, the prayer can be used by everyone in need of suffering, fear, illness (physical, emotional or spiritual) or by someone who has to accompany people in such a condition. The prayer is very suitable to cancer because of his patronage, but the themes are spiritual and general.
Q2: What will occur when the healing fails?
P: St Peregrine (or any saint) prayer cannot be expected to be physically helpful in the way we always expect. The prayer, though, ensures the presence of God, a closer connection with God and a spiritual reaction to our misery. Even the acknowledgment of the will of God and our suffering offered in cooperation with Christ can be a healing experience. The prayer imparts spiritual development, although it may be contrary to our desire.
Q3: Which duration of time should I pray the novena?
A: A normal novena can be defined as 9 days of prayer. Numerous sources recommend using a common text to pray every single day, with a specific intention each single day (such as hope, perseverance, courage, joy, self-lessness) as indicated in novena books.
Q4: Does this prayer have a special time or place of saying?
A: There is no strict rule. One can pray at home, at church, individually, or in a company. An atmosphere of quiet, uninterrupted is helpful. Others prefer to speak at the bedside of the invalid, or in a shrine dedicated to St Peregrine. It is all about fidelity, care, and trust with faith and not about elaborate ceremonies.
Q5: Are approved indulgences or Church approved benefits?
A: The prayer is in itself a devotional: where numerous devotions, local diocesan rules can come into play, as to indulgences or liturgical status. Local parishes or dioceses should be consulted about the exact information on indulgencies. The Catholic Church acknowledged the patronage of St Peregrine and many devotees use this prayer as a part of their devotional life.
