The Donation of The Saint Peregrine Statue
St. Peregrine, who spent his life in penance and prayer, is considered the patron saint of the sick, particularly cancer patients, since he was miraculously cured of cancer in his right leg. His statue, which stands on the wall to the right of the Saint Joseph Shrine, was donated by parishioners Marion and Edward McNicholas in the late 1950s. Marion McNicholas explains how the donation came about:
“We lived in Resurrection Parish when the new church was being built. My husband’s sister passed away in December 1955 from cancer. Our one-and-one-half year old son Edward, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma (a malignant tumor involving nerves in his leg) approximately seven months later. Following the operation, we were informed that the tumor was so large that it would only be a matter of time…”
“Shortly there after our pediatrician contacted a pediatric surgeon and he agreed to operate again on our son. He cautioned that our son had only one chance out of one hundred to survive the surgery and if he did, he would never walk again…”
“We visited Edward on Sunday, and on the way home, we stopped at the Carmelite Monastery and asked the cloistered nuns to pray for our son… They assured us that they would and also gave us a bottle of St. Albert’s water which we were to have Edward drink prior to his surgery… He survived the surgery and many, many radiation treatments.”
“When our son was improving, my husband spoke with the pastor, Father Curran, and asked if he could donate a statue of St Peregrine to the church… Father Curran did not know of St. Peregrine and my husband told him of his dear sister’s great devotion to the saint…”
“I would also like to add that several years following the surgery, we were informed that Edward would most likely be sterile. I am happy to report that Edward is very happily married with three sons of his own.”
Be a part of something great – Saint Peregrine Day is Saturday, September 10th this year. We are inviting the entire 5 county area to join us for this day of spiritual renewal and encouragement for those with cancer and their loved ones. We need many generous volunteers to make this day a success. There will be a sign up board in the back of church for the next two weekends. Please commit to helping for the entire day, or at least a part of it. Thank you for considering being a part of this powerful day.
- Fr. Jim