Saint Peregrine Laziosi

Life story

Peregrine was born in Forlì, then part of the Papal States, around 1260 (some sources say 1265), the only son of a wealthy family. His family belonged to the faction opposed to the pope in the political quarrels of the day. According to tradition, at the age of eighteen he struck Philip Benizi, prior general of the Servite Order, when Philip came to Forlì to reconcile the city; he soon repented and was forgiven.

He then joined the Servites at Siena and was ordained a priest. Later he founded a Servite house in Forlì and lived there for the rest of his life. The accounts describe him as a preacher who was known for caring for the sick and the poor, and he came to be called the Angel of Good Counsel.

Tradition also tells stories that cannot be checked: that he multiplied grain and wine in a time of shortage, and that a vision of Christ preceded the healing of a leg ulcer which was about to be amputated. These belong to hagiography rather than to confirmed history.

He died on 1 May 1345 at an advanced age, and his body rests in Forlì. He was beatified in 1609 under Paul V and canonized on 27 December 1726 by Benedict XIII. Because his biography rests mainly on the traditions of his order, many details of his life remain uncertain.

Works and witness

• Born around 1260 in Forlì into a wealthy family
• Joined the Servite Order at Siena and became a priest
• Founded a Servite house in Forlì
• Known for preaching and for care of the sick and poor
• Canonized on 27 December 1726

Patron of

People with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

• Order of Servants of Mary (Servites), biographical sheet "San Pellegrino Laziosi" and short history, servidimaria.net
• Catholic Encyclopedia, "Order of Servites" (newadvent.org/cathen/13736a.htm)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.