St. Peregrine Patron Saint of Cancer Patients

St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients. He was born in 1260 at Forlì, Italy to an affluent family, died in 1345 and was canonized in 1726. St. Peregrine lived a comfortable life as a youth, and politically opposed the papacy. After he experienced the forgiveness of St. Philip Benizi, he changed his life and then joined the Servite order. He was ordained a priest, and later returned to his home to establish a Servite community. There he was widely known for his preaching, penances, and counsel in the confessional. He was cured of cancer, after he received a vision of Christ on the cross reaching out His hand to touch his impaired limb.