Saint Who?
Saints Whose Bodies Resisted Corruption
Saint Peregrine
Priest and religious († 1345)Feast: May 1
Peregrine Laziosi was born to a wealthy family in northern Italy. In the long conflict between the papacy and Germanic imperialists, Philip’s hometown, Forli, sided against the pope. As a consequence, Forli, which was part of the Papal States, was placed under interdict, closing the churches.
Saint Philip Benizi, the humble and brilliant prior of the Servite order, was sent to Forli to try to reconcile its people. Peregrine, who was eighteen at the time, slapped the venerable priest, and helped to drive him from the city. Yet so struck was Peregrine by Philip’s meek and forgiving response that he soon ran after him, begging his forgiveness and counsel, and soon found himself entering the Servites too. Ordained a priest, he returned to Forli (now free from interdict) to found a house there. He became known as the “Angel of Good Counsel.”
Peregrine developed a painful cancer on his foot. The doctor decided to amputate. But after Peregrine spent the night in prayer, he was completely healed. He is venerated as patron of cancer patients and those with foot problems. His incorrupt body rests in the basilica of Saint Peregrine in Forli.
Heavenly Father, through the prayers of Saint Peregrine and the sacrifices of the faithful,
strengthen and uphold the Holy Father.
