St Peregrine prayer brings hope to people facing cancer and serious illness. This saint lived in 13th century Italy and experienced his own miraculous healing from a severely diseased leg that doctors wanted to amputate.
When you pray to St Peregrine, you’re asking someone who truly understands physical suffering to intercede for you. The prayer to st peregrine is simple and direct no complex words or rituals required. Just speak honestly about your needs.
Many people choose the st peregrine novena, praying for nine consecutive days to deepen their connection. Others prefer a single daily prayer. Both approaches work beautifully because what matters is your sincerity, not the length or format.
You can pray anywhere: hospital rooms, during treatments, at home before appointments, or in quiet moments when fear creeps in. Medical care treats your body, but this prayer addresses the emotional and spiritual weight that illness brings. St Peregrine carried his own suffering with faith, and now he helps carry yours to God.
St Peregrine Prayer (Complete with Meaning)
The Traditional St Peregrine Prayer
O glorious wonder-worker, St Peregrine,
you answered the divine call with a ready spirit,
and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world
to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.
You labored manfully for the salvation of souls.
In union with Jesus Crucified,
you endured painful sufferings with such patience
as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg
by a touch of His divine hand.
Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God
and to fulfill His will in all the events of life.
Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of souls.
Deliver me from the infirmities that afflict my body
(especially [mention your intention]).
Obtain for me also a perfect resignation to the sufferings
it may please God to send me,
so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother,
I may merit eternal glory in heaven.
Amen.
What This Prayer Means
This prayer recounts the verified story of St Peregrine Laziosi while asking for his powerful intercession.
The historical foundation is solid: Peregrine lived from 1260 to 1345 in Forli, Italy. As a young man, he opposed the Catholic Church and even struck a papal representative named Philip Benizi. After Philip responded with kindness instead of anger, Peregrine converted and later joined the Servite Order that Philip belonged to.
The miracle is documented in Church records: Around 1345, Peregrine developed a cancerous growth in his right leg. The infection spread so badly that doctors scheduled amputation for the next morning. That night, Peregrine dragged himself to the chapter room and prayed desperately before the crucifix. He had a vision of Christ reaching down from the cross to touch his diseased leg. When he awoke, the cancer had completely vanished verified by the same doctors who had planned the surgery.
Line by line, here’s what you’re asking:
“O glorious wonder-worker” – You acknowledge Peregrine’s proven intercession for miracles, especially healing.
“You answered the divine call with a ready spirit” – References his dramatic conversion from rebel to religious brother.
“Forsook all the comforts of a life of ease” – Peregrine came from a wealthy family but chose poverty and service.
“In the Order of His holy Mother” – The Servites are officially called the Order of the Servants of Mary.
“You endured painful sufferings with such patience” – Before his healing, Peregrine spent years standing rather than sitting because of his painful leg condition, offering this discomfort to God.
“Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God” – You’re asking for Peregrine’s help to follow God’s plan for your life.
“Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal” – Requests passion for spiritual growth and helping others spiritually.
“Deliver me from the infirmities that afflict my body” – The direct request for physical healing, where you name your specific medical need.
“Perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send me” – This is critical. You’re asking for peace and acceptance if the healing doesn’t come, or comes differently than expected.
“Imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother” – Asks that any continued suffering might unite you spiritually with Christ’s sacrifice and Mary’s compassion.
The prayer balances hope for healing with spiritual acceptance. It doesn’t demand a cure but asks Peregrine to carry your petition to God while preparing your heart for whatever answer comes.
Read Also: St Jude Novena Prayer
ST. PEREGRINE NOVENA
Complete 9 Days Prayers with Meaning
Day 1 – Prayer for Faith in Suffering
O holy St. Peregrine, faithful servant of God,
you accepted suffering without losing trust in the Lord.
You carried pain with patience and humility.
Teach me to believe even when healing feels distant.
Help me place my fear into God’s loving hands.
Strengthen my faith when my body or spirit feels weak.
Pray that I may never turn away from hope.
Intercede for me before the throne of mercy.
Amen.
Meaning:
This prayer asks for deep faith when illness or hardship shakes confidence in God. It reflects St. Peregrine’s endurance and trust during suffering.
Day 2 – Prayer for Physical Healing
St. Peregrine, chosen vessel of God’s compassion,
you experienced pain known to the sick and helpless.
You felt the limits of the human body.
I come before you with my illness and weakness.
Ask the Lord to touch me with His healing power.
If it be His will, restore my health and strength.
Help my body respond to care and treatment.
Let God’s grace flow through every part of me.
Amen.
Meaning:
This day focuses on bodily healing while surrendering to God’s will, acknowledging both medicine and divine grace.
Day 3 – Prayer for Inner Peace
Gentle St. Peregrine, friend of the suffering,
you remained calm even when fear surrounded you.
You trusted God more than your pain.
Grant me peace in moments of anxiety and distress.
Quiet my restless thoughts and troubled heart.
Help me rest in God’s presence each day.
Remove despair and replace it with calm hope.
Pray that my soul may remain steady and strong.
Amen.
Meaning:
This prayer seeks emotional and spiritual peace, especially important during long illness or uncertainty.
Day 4 – Prayer for Strength and Endurance
St. Peregrine, model of perseverance,
you did not abandon your calling during sickness.
You continued to serve despite great pain.
Grant me strength to endure each difficult day.
Help me rise when my energy fades.
Teach me patience when progress feels slow.
May God’s grace sustain me through every trial.
Let my weakness become a place of His power.
Amen.
Meaning:
This day asks for endurance and resilience, inspired by St. Peregrine’s continued service during illness.
Day 5 – Prayer for Those Undergoing Treatment
Compassionate St. Peregrine, intercessor for the sick,
you understand medical fear and human limitation.
Watch over all who undergo treatment today.
Guide the hands of doctors and caregivers.
Bless medicines, therapies, and procedures.
Protect patients from harm and discouragement.
Grant comfort during pain and recovery.
May God’s wisdom lead every decision made.
Amen.
Meaning:
This prayer entrusts medical care to God, asking for protection, skill, and compassion in treatment.
Day 6 – Prayer for Acceptance of God’s Will
St. Peregrine, obedient servant of the Lord,
you surrendered your life fully to God’s plan.
Teach me to trust His will above my own.
Help me accept outcomes I cannot control.
Give me courage to say “yes” to God each day.
Remove bitterness and fear from my heart.
Let me rest in God’s perfect wisdom.
May His purpose bring peace to my soul.
Amen.
Meaning:
This day centers on surrender and acceptance, essential for spiritual healing whether physical healing occurs or not.
Day 7 – Prayer for Family and Caregivers
St. Peregrine, comforter of the afflicted,
you saw the pain illness brings to loved ones.
Bless those who care for me in my weakness.
Give them patience, strength, and compassion.
Ease their worries and hidden burdens.
Reward their kindness with peace and grace.
Help our family remain united in hope.
May love overcome exhaustion and fear.
Amen.
Meaning:
This prayer recognizes that illness affects families and caregivers, seeking grace and strength for them.
Day 8 – Prayer for Hope and Trust
Hope-filled St. Peregrine, witness of God’s mercy,
you trusted even when healing seemed impossible.
Renew hope within my heart today.
Lift me when discouragement weighs heavily.
Remind me that God is always near.
Help me believe in His care at every moment.
Let hope guide my thoughts and actions.
May my trust glorify God’s name.
Amen.
Meaning:
This prayer strengthens hope, especially when circumstances appear hopeless.
Day 9 – Prayer of Thanksgiving and Complete Surrender
Glorious St. Peregrine, beloved servant of Christ,
I thank God for His presence throughout this novena.
I offer Him my illness, fears, and future.
Accept my prayer and present it before the Lord.
May God’s will be fulfilled in my life.
Grant me grace to live with faith and courage.
Help me remain grateful in all circumstances.
I place everything in God’s loving care.
Amen.
Meaning:
The final day expresses gratitude and full surrender, trusting God regardless of the outcome.
St Peregrine: The Complete Story
Who Was St Peregrine?
Born: 1260 in Forli, Italy
Died: May 1, 1345 in Forli, Italy (lived 85 years)
Canonized: December 27, 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII
Feast Day: May 1
Patron Saint Of: Cancer patients, AIDS patients, those with serious illnesses, open sores, skin diseases, and the city of Forli
His Early Life
Peregrine Laziosi grew up in a wealthy, politically active family in Forli during a turbulent period. The city strongly opposed papal authority, and young Peregrine joined the anti-papal faction as a hot-headed teenager.
In 1283, Pope Martin IV sent Philip Benizi (who would later become a saint himself) to Forli as a peacemaker. During a public confrontation, the 23-year-old Peregrine became so enraged that he physically struck Philip Benizi across the face.
Philip’s response changed everything: Instead of retaliating or calling for punishment, Philip turned the other cheek and forgave Peregrine immediately. This act of radical Christian love shattered Peregrine’s anger. That night, he had a vision of Mary, the Mother of God, calling him to a different life.
His Conversion and Religious Life
Peregrine immediately sought out Philip Benizi and begged forgiveness. He abandoned his wealthy lifestyle and joined the Servite Order (Order of the Servants of Mary) that Philip belonged to, becoming a priest around 1291.
His penance was severe: For the rest of his life, Peregrine practiced extreme self-discipline. He stood whenever possible rather than sitting, even during meals and prayer, to do penance for his earlier sins. He spent hours in prayer before the crucifix. He served the poor and sick tirelessly. He heard confessions for hours every day. People traveled long distances to seek his spiritual counsel.
He became known for:
- Deep humility despite his earlier pride
- Tireless service to the sick and dying
- Powerful preaching that converted many
- Spending entire nights in prayer
- Living in voluntary poverty
- Patience with his own physical sufferings
Conclusion
The st peregrine prayer won’t guarantee physical healing, but it offers something powerful strength to face your journey with courage instead of walking through it alone.
When you commit to this devotion, whether through daily prayer to st peregrine or the full st peregrine novena, you’re tapping into centuries of faith. Other people fighting similar battles have found comfort in these same words.
Keep your practice simple. Pray when you can, however you can. Some days you’ll manage the full novena with focused attention. Other days you’ll barely whisper a few desperate words at 3 AM. St Peregrine hears both equally.
Your medical outcome remains in God’s hands, but this prayer changes how you carry the burden. You’ll have someone walking beside you who understands suffering intimately. That companionship matters more than most people realize until they need it.
? FAQs About St Peregrine Prayer
Can non-Catholics pray to St Peregrine?
Yes, absolutely. While saint intercession is specifically Catholic theology, many Protestant Christians, Orthodox Christians, and even some non-Christians pray to St Peregrine when facing cancer. The prayer itself simply asks for help from someone who suffered similarly and found healing.
Does praying to St Peregrine replace medical treatment?
Never. The Church strongly teaches that prayer complements medical care, never replaces it. St Peregrine himself sought medical treatment and accepted the doctors’ recommendation for amputation before his miraculous healing. You should pursue every appropriate medical intervention while also praying.
What if the cancer doesn’t go away?
Most people who pray to St Peregrine do not experience spontaneous tumor disappearance. This doesn’t mean the prayer “failed” or that your faith was insufficient. Peregrine’s intercession can bring peace, reduce anxiety, increase pain tolerance, help treatment work better, or prepare you spiritually for death if that’s the outcome. All of these count as answered prayer.
How many people have been healed through St Peregrine’s intercession?
The Church has verified multiple miracles for canonization purposes, but the total number remains unknown. Thousands claim healing or significant improvement through his intercession, though most lack medical documentation before and after. The Church remains appropriately skeptical of undocumented claims while remaining open to genuine miracles.
Can I pray the novena repeatedly?
Yes, many people pray the St Peregrine novena multiple times throughout their cancer journey before diagnosis, before surgery, during treatment, if cancer returns. Some pray it continuously, starting a new nine-day cycle immediately after finishing the previous one.
