Patience in suffering, in union with the crucified Christ

From the Novena to St. Peregrine

Sacred Scripture: Colossians 1:24

Meditation for Day 4

The novena praises St. Peregrine because, 'in union with Jesus crucified,' he bore painful sufferings with heroic patience. St. Paul wrote that he rejoiced in his sufferings and filled up 'what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church' (Col 1:24).

Today's prayer asks the grace to unite our own sufferings — and those of the sick we love — to the Cross of Christ, so that no pain may be wasted but all may become redemptive.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Novena Prayer to St. Peregrine

Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother. You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand. Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men. Deliver me from the infirmities that afflict my body (especially...). Obtain for me also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send me, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, I may merit eternal glory in heaven. St. Peregrine, pray for me and for all who invoke your aid. Amen.

The traditional novena prayer to St. Peregrine, recited each of the nine days. At "(especially...)" name the illness or the sick person for whom you pray.