Our Lord came to deliver us from the sickness of sin, but He also heals our physical ailments, be it through natural means or, in some circumstances, through miracles. This He did in the case of Saint Peregrine. The night before the operation he was scheduled to have, Saint Peregrine fell asleep praying before a crucifix, where he dreamed that the Lord descended from the crucifix and healed the cancer on his leg. When he woke up, his leg was, indeed, cured.
If someone close to you is suffering from cancer, you can ask St Peregrine to intercede for them to receive the healing that they need. We cannot choose whether there is a miracle or not, whether they are healed or not - that decision is up to God. However, it is our faith that moves mountains (cf. Mt 17:20). But what if you have prayed? And had faith? And you or your loved one is still suffering? or someone you know has even passed on already? Did you not have enough faith? Does God not care? Where is the comfort, then, that He promised us?
God’s Will is mysterious, and He asks simply that we trust completely in Him. “Jesus, I trust in You.” The Divine Mercy chaplet is a prayer of trust, and entrusting. The loved one who died is now, please God, in Heaven with Him and, therefore, much happier than any of us could possibly imagine! The loved one who still suffers on earth is being asked by God to carry a cross, with His Son. What can we do? We can offer whatever comfort and support is within our means - prayers, hidden sacrifices and acts of charity, spending time with them. The Flores Mariae Gift Shop has a collection of gift bundles for those who suffer with cancer. These could be just the thing to lift someone’s spirits!
The crucifix was where St Peregrine went for comfort when he was suffering. It is where he leads us to find the strength to suffer, or to support others in their illnesses.
