St. Peregrine Novena

St. Peregrine Novena for Cancer Patients

The St. Peregrine Novena is a nine-day prayer for people facing cancer or serious illness and for everyone who cares for them. St. Peregrine Laziosi is invoked around the world because of his conversion, compassionate ministry, and the healing attributed to Christ’s intercession in his own life. Prayer for healing should accompany, never replace, appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.

Christ Healing St. Peregrine’s Cancer, attributed to Cosimo Ulivelli (1675), Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, Florence. Photo by Sailko via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Life of St. Peregrine

Peregrine was born around 1260 in Forlì, Italy, to a wealthy family. As a young man he threw himself into local politics on the side of a faction opposed to the Pope. When Pope Martin IV sent the Servite priest Philip Benizi to mediate and restore peace, an angry crowd — Peregrine among them — attacked him. Peregrine himself struck Philip in the face. Overcome with remorse, Peregrine fell at Philip’s feet begging forgiveness, which Philip granted at once, with a smile. The encounter changed Peregrine’s life. Praying often before an image of Our Lady, he received a vision in which Mary instructed him to go to Siena and join the men who called themselves her servants. He joined the Servite Order (Order of the Servants of Mary), was later ordained a priest, and returned to Forlì to found a Servite house there. Known for his penances and his tireless care of the poor and afflicted, he became known as the “Angel of Good Counsel.” Late in life, Peregrine developed a severe wound or growth on his leg, traditionally described as cancerous or gangrenous, and amputation was recommended. The night before the planned surgery, he prayed before a crucifix and fell asleep. According to the account preserved in the Servite tradition, he saw Christ reach down from the cross and touch his afflicted leg. When he awoke, the wound was healed. St. Peregrine died in 1345 at the age of 85, and was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. His feast day is May 1.

How to Pray the Novena

The St. Peregrine Novena is prayed over nine consecutive days, bringing before God, through St. Peregrine’s intercession, the healing of a specific illness — for yourself or for someone you love — while also asking for the grace to grow closer to Christ through whatever suffering must be endured — much like the Padre Pio Prayer for Healing.

St. Peregrine Novena Prayer

This novena may be prayed for your own needs or for someone facing cancer, serious illness, treatment, uncertainty, or recovery. Each day, pause where indicated and entrust your particular intention to God.

Day 1: Trust in God

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

St. Peregrine, your life was transformed when you received mercy and answered God’s call. Teach us to trust the Lord even when illness leaves us frightened, confused, or unable to see what lies ahead.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray that we may entrust our health, our fears, and our future to God’s loving providence.

Intercede for all who are beginning treatment, awaiting test results, or struggling to accept a difficult diagnosis. May Christ remain close to them and give wisdom to everyone entrusted with their care.

Lord Jesus, deepen our faith and help us rest in Your love. If it is Your will, grant healing; in every circumstance, grant the grace to remain faithful. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Day 2: Perseverance in Hope

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

St. Peregrine, you persevered in prayer when your suffering seemed overwhelming. Obtain for us a hope that does not depend upon favorable circumstances but upon the promises of Christ.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray that discouragement will never overcome us and that hope will be renewed each day.

Remember especially those exhausted by long treatments, recurring illness, or years of pain. Ask the Lord to send them faithful companions and moments of consolation along the way.

God of hope, sustain us when our strength is small. Help us take each day as it comes and recognize the quiet signs of Your presence. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Day 3: Union with Christ’s Cross

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

St. Peregrine, you turned toward the crucified Lord in your hour of greatest need. Help us unite our suffering with the Cross of Christ, where no sorrow is wasted and love triumphs over sin and death.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray that our suffering may draw us closer to Jesus and bear fruit for the good of others.

Intercede for those whose pain makes prayer difficult. May even their silence, tears, and weariness become an offering received with tenderness by the Lord.

Crucified and risen Jesus, remain with us in suffering. Give us courage, patience, and the assurance that we never carry the cross alone. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Day 4: Consolation in Loneliness

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

St. Peregrine, illness can separate people from familiar routines and leave them feeling forgotten. Through your intercession, may those who suffer know that Christ is near and that they remain cherished members of His Body.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray for everyone who feels isolated, afraid, or unseen.

Ask God to strengthen families, caregivers, chaplains, nurses, physicians, and friends. Give them compassionate hearts and the grace to offer patient, faithful companionship.

Lord of all consolation, visit those who are alone. Surround them with Your peace and send people who will listen, encourage, and remain beside them. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Day 5: Peace in the Face of Death

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

St. Peregrine, you completed your earthly pilgrimage in faith. Pray that fear of death may give way to confidence in Christ, who has opened for us the way to eternal life.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray that we may live each day in the hope of the Resurrection.

Intercede for the dying and for those who keep vigil beside them. May they receive the sacraments, the comfort of loved ones, and the grace to surrender peacefully into the Father’s hands.

Risen Lord, free us from fear and keep our eyes fixed upon You. Lead us at last into the fullness of life in Your presence. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Day 6: Joy Amid Suffering

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

St. Peregrine, suffering did not prevent you from loving God or serving your neighbor. Pray that illness may not take from us the deeper joy that comes from belonging to Christ.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray that moments of grace, gratitude, and genuine joy may brighten even the hardest days.

Remember children who are ill, parents carrying heavy burdens, and all whose plans have been interrupted by disease. May they discover unexpected goodness and receive the strength needed for today.

Lord Jesus, renew our hearts. Help us welcome every gift of love and recognize that Your light still shines in the darkness. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Day 7: Charity Toward Others

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

St. Peregrine, your own trials made you attentive to the poor and afflicted. Keep our suffering from closing us in upon ourselves, and enlarge our hearts with compassion for others who are in need.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray that our pain may deepen our love rather than diminish it.

Intercede for those who lack medical care, financial assistance, transportation, housing, or family support. Inspire Christian communities to recognize and serve Christ in every suffering person.

Merciful Lord, make us generous even in weakness. Show us how our prayers, patience, and kindness can become gifts for others. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Day 8: Dependence on God

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

St. Peregrine, bodily weakness reminds us that life is received from God and sustained by His goodness. Teach us to accept help humbly and to depend more completely upon the Lord.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray that this trial may teach us deeper trust, humility, and dependence upon God.

Intercede for caregivers and medical professionals whose decisions carry great responsibility. Grant them wisdom, endurance, and reverence for every human life entrusted to them.

Father of mercy, provide what we need for body and soul. When we feel powerless, remind us that Your grace is sufficient and Your love will not fail. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Day 9: A Life That Glorifies God

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

St. Peregrine, your conversion, service, suffering, and healing all became a witness to God’s mercy. At the conclusion of this novena, help us desire above all that our lives may glorify the Lord.

We now place before God the person and intention for which we are praying.

St. Peregrine, pray that whether in sickness or in health, we may belong entirely to Christ.

Continue to intercede for our intention and for all people affected by cancer and serious illness. May those who receive healing give thanks, and may those who continue to suffer receive every grace necessary for perseverance and holiness.

God of life, we entrust ourselves and those we love to You. Grant healing according to Your will, strengthen our faith, and bring all things to fulfillment in Christ. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Short Prayer to St. Peregrine

St. Peregrine, faithful servant of God and compassionate intercessor for those who are ill, bring our needs before the Lord. Pray for everyone suffering from cancer or serious disease, for those awaiting a diagnosis, and for all who care for them.

Ask Christ to grant healing according to His holy will, courage during treatment, peace in uncertainty, and unwavering hope in eternal life. May every trial draw us closer to Jesus and help us trust more completely in His mercy.

St. Peregrine, pray for us. Amen.

Whether this novena is prayed for oneself or for someone dear to us, it places illness, fear, and hope into God’s hands. Through the intercession of St. Peregrine, may all who suffer receive strength for each day and remain close to Christ, the source of our healing and salvation.

Those seeking strength while surrendering an uncertain outcome may also wish to pray the Surrender Novena.