26 Apr 2021 Novena in Honor of St. Peregrine
It should be consoling to every sick person to know that he or she does not suffer alone. Throughout the world, others are afflicted as well. All of us, by our crosses and trials, can assume an active role in the work of redemption. St. Peregrine, miraculously healed of a cancerous wound, assisted Christ in this noble apostolate of suffering through his own experience of illness and pain. There is significance in the fact that St. Peregrine was healed at the foot of the cross. The miracle might have occurred in a sick bed or a shrine. But it didn’t. St. Peregrine’s healing took place before the cross where all who are sick must eventually find themselves if they wish to participate in the redemptive action of Jesus Christ.
Today we begin our Novena to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of those suffering from cancer and other serious illness, leading up to his Feast Day on May 4th. Please join us in these nine days of prayer.
Day One – Prayer for Healing
Ps 107: 19-22
Then they cried to the Lord in their need,
and he rescued them from their distress.
He sent forth his word to heal them,
and saved their life from destruction.
Let them thank the Lord for his mercy,
his wonders for the children of men.
Let them offer a sacrifice of thanks,
and tell of his deeds with rejoicing.
We praise and thank you, Lord Jesus, for the many healing blessings that you have granted to us in the past. For all our caregivers, family, friends, and prayer partners, we thank you. You are the source of all healing. Stretch out your hand over us: touch our bodies with health and strength; touch our minds with confidence and hope; touch our spirits with faith and charity.
Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you…
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
Dear St. Peregrine, brother and friend, faithful Servant of Mary, kindly listen to our plea. You prayed before the cross and Jesus heard your prayer and today you live in the eternal light of heaven. Now pray with us that the Risen Lord will extend his all-powerful hand over us to heal us of all our ills. Hear our prayer that we may know the power of your intercession for all who are suffering. May God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whose holiness shines forth in you, St. Peregrine, receive all honor and glory forever. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray for us.