St. Peregrine Shrine

Who was Saint Peregrine?

Peregrine Laziosi was born of a wealthy family at Forli, Italy, in 1260.  As a youth he was active in politics as a member of the anti-papal party.  During one uprising, which the Pope sent St. Philip Benizi to mediate, Philip was struck in the face by Peregrine.  When Philip offered the other cheek, Peregrine was so overcome that he repented and converted to Catholicism.  Following the instructions of the Virgin Mary received in a vision, Peregrine went to Siena and joined the Servites.  It is believed that he never allowed himself to sit down for thirty years, while as far as possible, observing silence and solitude.  Sometime later, Peregrine was sent to Forli to found a new house of the Servite Order.  An ideal priest, he had a reputation for fervent preaching and being a good confessor.  When he was afflicted with cancer of the leg and amputation had been decided upon, he spent the night before the operation in prayer. The following morning he was completely cured. This miracle caused his reputation to become widespread.  He died in 1345 at the age of eighty-five, and he was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726.  St. Peregrine, like St. Paul, was in open defiance of the Church as a youth.  Once given the grace of conversion he became one of the great saints of his time. His great fervor and qualities as a confessor brought many back to the true Faith.  Afflicted with cancer, Peregrine turned to God and was richly rewarded for his Faith, enabling him over many years to lead others to the truth.  He is the patron saint of cancer patients. 

What is the purpose of a Catholic shrine?

A Shrine is a Catholic church or another sacred place that houses the remains, relics, or imagery of a saint or other holy person, which is the object of religious veneration and pilgrimage.  A Shrine provides a remarkable opportunity for people to be spiritually renewed and to deepen their relationship with God through prayer.

When can I visit the shrine of Saint Peregrine?

Please feel free to stop by anytime Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Office in the Ribble Center, as we would love to let you into the Cathedral to see the shrine. You can also visit the shrine during any of our Mass times, listed here. 

Can I submit a Mass Intention for myself or
a loved one fighting cancer?

Of course! Please call the Cathedral office at (509) 358-4290, and we would be more than happy to help take care of that for you. You can also submit a Mass Intention online here.

Prayer to Saint Peregrine

O God, in Saint Peregrine You gave us an outstanding example of faith and patience,
we humbly ask You that by imitating him and by the help of his prayers,
we believe more fully in your healing help, bear the suffering of this life without wavering, and come with joy to the peace of heaven.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.