News

09 May Vocation Newsletter Issue 33

Posted at 14:37h in Vocation Newsletters

05 May Litany of Saint Peregrine

Posted at 08:46h in Prayers for Various Occasions

LITANY OF SAINT PEREGRINE

Lord, have mercy – Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy – Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy – Lord, have mercy

Christ, hear us Christ, graciously hear us

God, the Father in Heaven – have mercy on us
Jesus, Son and Redeemer of the world – have mercy on us
Holy Spirit, the Paraclete – have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, One God – have mercy on us

Holy Mary, Mother of God – pray for us
Our Lady, Humble Servant and guide of pilgrims – pray for us
Virgin and Lady of Sorrows – pray for us
Mary, Queen of your Servants – pray for us

Saint Joseph, Saint John the Baptist,
Saint Peter and Saint Paul – pray for us
Saint Augustine, Seven Founders and
Saint Philip Benizi and Saint Juliana – pray for us
Blessed Joachim and Francis of Siena,
Blessed Bonaventure and All Servite Saints – pray for us

Saint Peregrine, child of Forlì, youth of repentance, youth in search of the Kingdom of God – pray for us
Peregrine growing in virtue, moving to God’s
salvation, pilgrim towards lasting joys – pray for us
Converted to meekness, man of repentance,
growing in wisdom from God – pray for us
Peregrine, gentle friar, obedient and poor,
merciful, austere and chaste man of God – pray for us
Servant of God, Servant of Mary,
Servant of brothers in faith – pray for us
Beloved disciple, close to the cross of the Lord,
strengthened in weakness by Christ – pray for us
Peregrine, new Job, sorely tried and trustful,
healed by the power of God – pray for us
Model of penitence, saintly example,
new son of the Virgin by the Cross – pray for us
Brother and friend, interceding for us,
helper for the incurably sick – pray for us

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

God our Father, in Peregrine you gave us an outstanding example of the virtue of penitence and patient suffering. Encouraged by his example and supported by his prayers, we ask that the penance we do and the sufferings we endure become for us sources of health and life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.

04 May Novena in Honor of Saint Peregrine – Day 9

Posted at 05:29h in Prayers for Various Occasions

Last Day of the Novena
St. Peregrine, Brother of Intercession

“And Jesus said to the man, ‘Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.” (Lk 17:19)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Invocation to the Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Saint Peregrine died on May 1, 1345, at the age of eighty after suffering a severe fever. His body was later exhumed and found incorrupt. In contrast to the bad odor which at one time emitted from his gangrenous leg, his body now gave off an extraordinary fragrance which people found difficult to describe. Today his intact body is enshrined in the Servite Church in Forlì, Italy. From 1608 to 1958 at least seven examinations of his body were made by experts. Peregrine was canonized on December 27, 1726, along with Saint John of the Cross and St. Francis Solano. Let us pray on this last day of the novena with a robust faith the healing of our own bodies, if it is the will of God.

“They surrounded me, the snares of death; the anguish of the grave has found me; anguish and sorrow I found. I called on the name of the Lord: ‘Lord, save my life!’” (Ps 116: 2-3)

In the “Life of the Blessed Peregrine of Forli,” we learn that in his sickness, Saint Peregrine had the comfort and supportive care of many people, both brothers and laypeople. The news of the miraculous cure of his leg was spread widely abroad causing great veneration on the part of everyone towards Peregrine, the friend of God. On May 1, 1345, while in his 80s, Peregrine died. The flocking of people to venerate his body was so great that at night, it was not possible to close the city gates, there were so many people crowding through. Many miracles were attributed to blessed Peregrine: records tell of people with evil spirits being set free; blind people restored to sight; and people being healed after serious falls, all as a result of invoking Saint Peregrine. Peregrine, himself cured by a miracle, thus became the intercessor for the cure of many sick people. Over six centuries later many still pray for blessings and miracles at through his intercession.

Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory to the Father…

Pray for us St. Peregrine, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O God and Father most holy, you sent your Son into the world to carry the weight of our pain and to heal the diseases of your suffering sons and daughters. In this uncertain and fearful time, and by the prayers of Saint Peregrine, our brother of intercession, we beg you to heal and relieve the sufferings of all who place their trust in you. Keep our hearts alive in hope and grant us peace and serenity of spirit. And may your healing Spirit of love fill us all with grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord, our Savior, give us patience and strength in this time of trial. Heal our wounds and allow us all to live together again in serenity and in peace. Amen. Through the intercession of St. Peregrine, may the Lord bless us, keep us from harm, and lead us to eternal life. Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.

Happy Feast Day from the National Shrine of Saint Peregrine! We join you in prayers for healing and peace.

03 May Novena in Honor of Saint Peregrine – Day 8

Posted at 09:21h in Prayers for Various Occasions

Day Eight of the Novena
Saint Peregrine, Miraculously Healed

“Jesus said, ‘Get up, pick up your sleeping-mat and walk around.’ The man was cured at once, and he picked up his mat and started to walk around.” (Jn 5: 8-9)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Invocation to the Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.

As recorded in the Life of the Blessed Peregrine of Forli, Saint Peregrine, when he was in his 60s, was stricken with a gangrenous ulcer on his leg. The wound festered, would not heal, and eventually required amputation. The night before the surgery, he dragged himself to the chapter room where there is a fresco of the Crucifixion. He remained there in trustful prayer to the crucified Christ. Overcome by pain and distress he dozed in a trance and as in a dream saw the crucified Jesus come down from the cross and liberate him from every ailment of his leg. At once he woke up and realized that his leg was healed and as strong as it previously had been. After giving thanks to the most merciful God for such an extraordinary gift, he returned to his cell. The following morning, the doctor came to conduct the amputation. But he saw that the leg was completely healed. He turned to his assistants and exclaimed: What a great miracle!

On the wood of the cross Christ bore all our sins
– So that by his wounds we may be healed.

“You can now pick up the cross with courage, like Peregrine. In spite of everything, keep walking, keep moving towards the crucified Jesus. Let him draw you to himself. What new strength you will find amid your great weakness. …keep looking towards the cross with faith, like Peregrine. Put your trust in the power of God and do not doubt that God will help you. It is in the cross that you will discover the love of God which purifies us and purges us of all that is not of God.” (Hubert Moons, OSM)

Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory to the Father…

Pray for us St. Peregrine, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O God our Father, ever merciful and kind, you sent your Son on earth as a healer of bodies and souls; to rescue humanity stricken by sin and by death. For your will is that we should have life to the full. Look kindly we pray upon all who are suffering and sick for they place their trust in your help. By the prayers of Saint Peregrine, grant them your healing as once you poured healing upon him. Grant that your Son, Jesus Christ saving Lord, stretch forth his hand from the cross to bless in our day all his servants in pain, as they turn to him wounded and weak. Endow them with serenity and peace, that they may thank you and honor your Holy Name, through your Son Jesus who has died and is risen, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.

O Lord, our Savior, give us patience and strength in this time of trial. Heal our wounds and allow us all to live together again in serenity and in peace. Amen. Through the intercession of St. Peregrine, may the Lord bless us, keep us from harm, and lead us to eternal life. Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.

02 May Novena in Honor of Saint Peregrine – Day 7

Posted at 06:16h in Prayers for Various Occasions

Day Seven of the Novena
St. Peregrine at the Foot of the Cross and Endless Crosses

“Servants of Mary, may they not cease to look to the cross, and with the Mother may they be close to her Son where he is still suffering and dying, so that the light of Easter may shine everywhere.” (Prayer of Blessing 3, Rite of Solemn Profession of the Friar Servants of Mary)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Invocation to the Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Saint Peregrine was healed in front of the now famous image of the crucifixion in the chapter room of the Forlì convent, where he dragged himself in pain. Peregrine remains standing to this day with the Mother of Jesus at the foot of countless human crosses to bring a comforting and consoling presence. The Blessed Virgin models the mystery of compassion to him: to suffer with the other, to recognize and remain close to Jesus crucified in the other. And Jesus Christ revealed to him the the joys of Easter: life, health, salvation. The early stories of Peregrine relate how the poor and peasants were also helped by him and speak of how he miraculously multiplied wheat and wine for the hungry. It is also said he healed a blind man and helped carry the crosses of many others in need.

“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:27).

Saint Peregrine carried with his cross with a serene spirit, and he put all his hope in the Lord. He helped to carry the crosses of the poor peasants and the sick, bringing them compassion and comfort. Though sorely tested himself, he was patient in suffering and found peace despite his pain.

Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory to the Father…

Pray for us St. Peregrine, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Holy God and Father, in your Son you give us comfort in our illnesses and are present to us in our trials. We ask you to hold us in the safety of your hand in sickness and health, in pain and joy, and in every good or bad moment of our daily lives. As you are always with us, help us likewise to stand with you at the crosses of all our brothers and sisters suffering from disease, hunger and poverty. Make us the means of your grace bringing them comfort, compassion and hope. In the sufferings of the world, your Son is present and it is he who is our true physician and brother in pain. To you, Father, be honor and glory for all ages. Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.

01 May Novena in Honor of Saint Peregrine – Day 6

Posted at 06:26h in Prayers for Various Occasions

Day Six of the Novena
Saint Peregrine, a witness of hope in sickness

“Peregrine bore the death of Jesus in his body so that the life of Jesus might be revealed.”

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint Peregrine was sorely tried by illness. Around 1325, a painful, cancerous ulcer attacked one of his legs. The foul odor emanating from the sore was unbearable for Peregrine and those close to him. It isolated him from others and even caused him to loath himself. He was called another Job, so afflicted did he appear. Nevertheless, reduced to such great and distasteful suffering, he did not complain about his lot. Rather, he endured this wasting away and torment with a tranquil spirit, trusting in the words of the Apostle who says that virtue is made strong in weakness.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
– yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. (Is 53:4)

Saint Peregrine followed the footsteps of Christ, carrying his cross each day. He saw his sufferings in the light of the life of Jesus, who in his merciful heart, healed the sufferings of many reviving and their hope and faith. When cancer threatened him with the amputation of his leg, Saint Peregrine crawled with much difficulty to the chapter room and spoke with Jesus crucified, his guide and teacher. He entrusted his suffering to him and put his hope in him. And Jesus came down from the cross and healed him.

Let us ask our Lord and Guide to understand the mystery of suffering as we too are isolated and look hopefully to the cross of Christ. Let us ask for the strength and faith to unite our sufferings to the suffering of Jesus for the redemption of the world.

Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory to the Father…

Pray for us St. Peregrine, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Father of all compassion, in Christ your Son, you have revealed to us the Christian values of suffering and the hope that springs from the cross. Stay with us in difficult times and comfort us with a Spirit of solitude. Help us to face the sorrows of life with hope and faith. Through the intercession of Saint Peregrine, teach us to place our sufferings at the feet of Christ crucified and to receive from him serenity and health. To you Father, refuge of the weak, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.

30 Apr Novena in Honor of Saint Peregrine – Day 5

Posted at 05:58h in Prayers for Various Occasions

Day Five of the Novena
Saint Peregrine, a companion and friend

“How good and pleasant it is, when brothers live in unity.” Psalm 133 (132)1.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Invocation to the Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Saint Peregrine was a kind friar, following the example of the Seven Holy Fathers of the Order whose friendship was sincere, warm, fair and disinterested. He also looked at the example of his fellow friars, including Saint Philip Benizi. In community, he shared the fears and the joys, the difficulties and the hopes of his brothers in religion. In community, he accepted and became friends with everyone. He learned to share and to uphold and uplift others: welcoming, listening, encouraging.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. (Proverbs 27,9)

Saint Peregrine knew how to be a friend and had friends. In friendship made service, he shared his bread and the joys and sorrows of his brothers and those of his fellow townspeople. But above all, he nurtured a special love for his glorious Lady, the Blessed Virgin, and for Jesus Christ, to whom he looked for salvation.

Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory to the Father…

Pray for us St. Peregrine, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Lord, with your grace, Saint Peregrine was faithful to the commitment of the evangelical life: constant in prayer, patient in trials, and friendly to everyone, especially to us who hope in his intercession. Help us also to do your will, to grow in love of our brothers and sisters, to lead a simple and sober life. To you, Lord, source of communion who in your Son gave us the friend who never fails us, be honor and glory now and forever, Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.

29 Apr Novena in Honor of Saint Peregrine – Day 4

Posted at 04:59h in Prayers for Various Occasions

Day Four of the Novena
Saint Peregrine, Friar Servant of Mary

“For Peregrine, prayer, fasting and almsgiving were worth more than hordes of gold.”

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint Peregrine was a poor friar, austere and penitent, with a keen awareness of being a sinner who dedicated his service to God and to the Virgin in constant prayer. He was fervent in love, frequently fasted, observed vigils and other forms of ascetic practices. It was said that he never sat down and always remained standing.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst to do the will of God.
– Because God will satisfy them. (Mt 5: 6)

Saint Peregrine lived intensely the charism of humility and mercy, service to the Virgin and to his brother friars. In Siena he lived fraternally with two other holy Servites, Francis and Joachim, who were faithful witnesses of the values, charism and spirituality of the Servants of Mary. Let us pray to the Lord that every one of us find sister and brother saints to help us mature in our own special vocations.

Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory to the Father…

Pray for us St. Peregrine, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Prayer

Loving God and Father of all, you called St. Peregrine to follow your Son in the Order of the Servants of Mary. You still call generous young people to commit to a consecrated life in service to your Kingdom. Be the road, bridge and sign for all who want to reach you, light for those who need you, and peace to those who seek you. To you Father, from whom comes every perfect gift, be honor, praise and glory forever. Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.

28 Apr Novena in Honor of Saint Peregrine – Day 3

Posted at 05:33h in Prayers for Various Occasions

Day Three of the Novena
Saint Peregrine guided by an Angel

“A good angel will go with him; he will have a good journey and come back to us well and happy.'” (Tobit 5:22).

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

After his encounter with the Blessed Virgin Peregrine began the trip to Siena. As soon as he left Forlí, he met a young man, who told him that he was following the same path and asked to accompany him since a journey becomes less burdensome and lonely when there are two travelers. When they reached Siena, the young man disappeared. Peregrine then realized that this companion was none other than an angel, a guardian sent by God.

“Look, I am sending an angel to precede you, to guard you as you go and bring you to the place that I have prepared.” (Ex 23.20).

Our angels are faithful servants and messengers of God. They are powerful spirits executing their duties as companions and guardians. They accompany us and protect us on our journey towards the promised Kingdom. St. Peregrine was assisted by a guardian angel and likewise they assist us.

Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory to the Father…

Pray for us St. Peregrine, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

God, provident Father, you sent a guardian angel to accompany St. Peregrine in order to make his path easier. Grant us freedom from all sickness, and assisted by our angels, give us patience and strength in this time of trial. Heal our wounds and allow us all to live together again in serenity and in peace. Amen. Through the intercession of St. Peregrine, may the Lord bless us, keep us from harm, and lead us to eternal life. Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.

27 Apr Novena in Honor of Saint Peregrine – Day 2

Posted at 04:49h in Prayers for Various Occasions

Day Two of the Novena

Saint Peregrine guided by The Virgin Mother

“Peregrine walked the way of salvation and, as the end of his life drew near, he watched and waited for the coming of the Lord.”

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peregrine’s exhortation by Saint Philip to entrust himself to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin and the pardon he showed him, filled Peregrine’s heart with peace and serenity. He returned to his home and began a more Christian life and increased his devotion to the Virgin. In his native city of Forlí, he went to pray before an image of the Virgin in the Church of the Holy Cross. One day she appeared to him and declared “Do not fear son: I am the Mother of Him whom you worship crucified and he commanded me to point you to the path of happiness. Do you know those religious who are called Servants of the Virgin Mary? Your name is Peregrine, so you will be a pilgrim in name and deed. It is necessary that you go to Siena; coming there, you will find these holy men in prayer: beg them to welcome you into their family.” (From the Life of St. Peregrine written by Nicolas Borghese (1432-1500)

A tender devotion to the Virgin constantly encouraged St. Peregrine. When he was uncertain of his future, the Blessed Virgin guided his steps along the path that led to Jesus Christ. Peregrine was always ready to follow the invitation of his glorious Lady. Let us ask him to grow in love for the Virgin Mother and to welcome her as mother and guide of our lives also. And let us praise the goodness of the Lord that we might always have light, hope and comfort.

Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory to the Father…

Pray for us St. Peregrine, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O God, the Father of mercy, in your provident kindness the Virgin Mary inspired Saint Peregrine to set himself free of his passions and to follow the way of your Son in the Order of her Servants. Look kindly on those seeking direction in their lives. Through the intercession of St. Peregrine, guide all wanderers and support them on the right path. Grant us all freedom from sickness, suffering, and sin and let us walk together as pilgrims to your Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.