Like many of you, I was upset and dismayed by the news that Daily Kos user Station Wagon has been diagnosed with apparently terminal liver cancer. The doctors are still investigating, but at the moment, it looks grim.
I only learned of this last night after the regular installment of Brothers and Sisters had been posted. I also learned how many Kossacks' lives have been touched by cancer - their own or that of family or loved ones. Given that news, I will make so bold as to ask to pray* once more this week: for those who suffer from cancer and other terminal ailments, those who must share their burden, those facing the end of their lives, and those in any pain.
Tonight's resource is adapted from the novena of prayer to/through St. Peregrine, the patron saint of those with cancer. It is a specifically Christian prayer, but I invite all who so desire to join us in care and reflection for the sake of a member of this community.
O good St. Peregrine, patron of those suffering from cancer and incurable diseases, we ask that you would grant relief from suffering to all who suffer from cancer and other terminal illness. In your compassion, we ask you to intercede with Our Lord Jesus Christ that mankind may soon find a cure for the dread disease of physical cancer as well as for the moral cancer which grips so much of our world today. Amen.
Day 1:
Reflection: "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." (Mt 3:2)
Prayer: O great St. Peregrine, who were yourself converted from a violent and sinful life, grant that those who have strayed may the opportunity to change their ways and redirect their hearts to the good. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray for us.
Day 2:
Reflection: "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Mt 5:5)
Prayer: Good St. Peregrine, who bore the agonies of cancer patiently for so many years, grant us the courage and trust to stand up under our own sickness or weakness. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray that we may be strong.
Day 3:
Reflection: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you." (Jn 14:27)
Prayer: St. Peregrine, you dwelt for many years in peace in the House of the Lord. Intercede for us with Him that this troubled world, torn by hatred and violence, may at last know the blessedness of peace with justice. Amen.
St. Peregrine, help us bring lasting peace to the world.
Day 4:
Reflection: "Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mt 4:19)
Prayer: St. Peregrine, you became a model priest and eloquent preacher. Help us to see where we can help our brothers and sisters, regardless of any difference. Amen.
St. Peregrine, inspire more young men and women to follow in the footsteps of peace and compassion.
Day 5:
Reflection: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings!"
(Mt 23:37)
Prayer: O St. Peregrine, just as you were cured from cancer of the body, intercede for us that the cancer of disregard for life may be removed from the world today. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray that the people of the world may find shelter when they are threatened and comfort when they are lost.
Day 6:
Reflection: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mk 10:14)
Prayer: St. Peregrine, pray that Jesus may stay with children who have lost their parents, and that parents whose children have died may find some comfort in knowing that they are well-cared for after their time on earth. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray for our young people.
Day 7:
Reflection: "Cast me not off in my old age; as my strength fails, forsake me not." (Ps 70:9)
Prayer: St. Peregrine, God granted you the grace of a long and fruitful life. Ask Our Lord, Jesus Christ, to lighten the burden of so many of our aged today who are spending their twilight years in pain, sorrow, and loneliness. Amen.
St. Peregrine, bring comfort to our aged in their last days.
Day 8:
Reflection: "They shall neither hunger nor thirst anymore." (Rev 7:16)
Prayer: O St. Peregrine, we ask you to heed the anguished cries of those dying from starvation throughout the world today, especially children and old people. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray that relief may come to those who are suffering from hunger and thirst in body and soul.
Day 9:
Reflection: "This day you shall be with Me in paradise." (Lk 23:42)
Prayer: Finally, O good St. Peregrine, we ask that you intercede for those whom God sees fit to call home. May they die in happiness and peace, confident that they will be with You forever in the presence of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray that we may have strength and comfort in the hour of our death.
Daily Closing Prayer
St. Peregrine, inspired by your own example of repentance, patience, and humility, help us remain faithful to our resolution to walk with renewed strength and vigor in the ways of Our Lord. And, if God wills, please obtain a cure of the illness of Station Wagon and all who suffer from cancer. Amen.