Prayers for Prodigal Catholics

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A Saint for Our Times and Our Prodigals

Saint Peregrine was a brother in The Order of Servants of Mary (the Servites) who, at age 60, suffered from cancer in his leg which became so serious that it was to be amputated. The night before surgery, Peregrine prayed before the crucifix.  When he awoke, the wound was healed and his leg saved. He lived to age 80. Peregrine is well known as the patron saint of those suffering from cancer.  Servite men and women religious, through the St. Peregrine ministry of healing and compassion, accompany caregivers and those persons who live with serious illness, especially cancer, as they seek to find healing, support, peace and God in their daily lives.

               But, that's not the entire story of Saint Peregrine.  In a recent letter, Father Lawrence M Choate, OSM wrote, "St. Peregrine is also relevant for another reason.  He lived in a time of great change in society when many young people had lost their connection with God and church and had turned to self-destructive behavior.  In fact, as a teenager Peregrine was the leader of a street gang and about as far away from Christ as we could imagine.  Yet even he was found by God and was led in time to join the Servants of Mary where he discovered a real purpose in life serving the sick and the poor.  Thus, St. Peregrine is also the patron saint of youth at risk." 

               What young people are more at risk than those who are in danger of losing their souls?  Let us turn to this saint who understands what it is to be lost.       Let us pray: St. Peregrine, pray for us and for our children.  Help us to heal our hearts and our souls.  Help us make a difference in the lives of our prodigal loved ones.  Help us bring them home to Jesus and His Church.  Amen.

               The National Shrine of St. Peregrine is located in Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica at 3121 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL  60612-2729     (773)638-5800 ♥

From "Silent Strength"  The Newsletter of the Marian Mantle Group, June 2007
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