Patron saints

Who Is the Patron Saint of Cancer Patients?

Saint Peregrine · Feast day May 1

The patron saint of cancer patients is Saint Peregrine, whose feast day is May 1.

Who was Saint Peregrine?

Saint Peregrine Laziosi was a Servite friar who, tradition says, was to have a cancerous leg amputated, but after a night of prayer before the crucifix was found completely healed. He lived on for many years, serving the poor.

Why the patron of cancer patients?

Because of that healing, he is the beloved patron of those suffering from cancer and serious illness.

In the Word

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

A note for all traditions: patron saints are honored in the Catholic and Orthodox churches as examples of faith and as friends who pray with us, never worshiped, for worship belongs to God alone. Many Protestant Christians honor the saints as examples without asking their intercession. Across all traditions, there is one Lord and one mediator between God and us, the man Christ Jesus, and every one of us, not only the saints, is called to holiness and to him.

All the saints point to Jesus, and so are you called

Saint Peregrine was not the point; Christ was. Every saint is a window, and the light is Jesus, who is Lord of all. You are called to the same holiness and the same love. Pray, read the Word, and gather with the family of God on The Living Bread. Free, with no ads, for all people.

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Related: All patron saints · Saint of the day · The Christian year · Saints for May 1

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