St. Peregrine Novena June 1-9

Dear Friends of St. Jude,

St. Peregrine Laziosi had a profound devotion to the Passion of Christ. Indeed, it was to the Crucifix that he went in his moment of greatest need. When he was about sixty years of age, an infection developed in his right leg. As his condition worsened, it was decided that the leg would be amputated. The night before the surgery St. Peregrine prayed before a fresco of Christ Crucified. After falling into a deep sleep he saw Jesus descend from the Cross and touch his leg. When he awoke, the wound was miraculously cured. The body of St. Peregrine was renewed, but as with all healings the greater restoration was in his soul by the power of Christ’s Sacraments and the indwelling of the Holy Trinity. The healing prompted a renewed thanksgiving to the Lord in the heart of St. Peregrine as well as propelling him into even greater apostolic efforts.

St. Peregrine Laziosi is the saint for these times in desperate need of God’s healing. He has become the patron saint of those who suffer from the major illnesses and social maladies plaguing our contemporary society, especially cancer, AIDS, and social discord. Each year the Dominican Friars offer a preached novena June 1-9 for your intentions and those of all the sick and suffering.

During the past year, we have made it clear how your participation in the work of the Shrine of St. Jude through prayer and through donations supports two important works. The first is the powerful ministry of the Shrine all year long. The second is assistance to our novice brothers and student brothers studying for the priesthood. That’s why this year our preaching will be very special: I, as the shrine director, and Fr. Isaiah Molono will each offer one day of preaching. The other seven days of reflections will be offered by our seven young novices who joined our novitiate last August. We hope this will showcase the fruits of your generosity and prayer!

During this year’s novena let us not only beseech the intercession of St. Peregrine and St. Jude, but let us join them in contemplation of the Side of Christ. Let us accompany them to the foot of the Cross and there pray in union with them for the grace of healing in our bodies, in our souls, and above all in the whole Church and world.

Currently Masses are live-streamed 8 a.m. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. Sat, and 9:30 a.m. Sun. Please see the St. Dominic Parish websites for the times of Masses in the church itself, now happily open to the public!

Enroll for the Current Novena online here or with a PDF here!

In Christ our Lord,
Very Rev. Vincent M. Kelber, O.P.
Director