Relic of St. Peregrine Laziosi

### Relic of St. Peregrine Laziosi (Maria Stein, USA) The sacred relic of St. Peregrine Laziosi housed at the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics in Ohio is a first-class relic, meaning it is a physical part of the saint's body, most likely a bone fragment. Its precise historical origin and journey to Maria Stein are rooted in the long-standing Catholic tradition of collecting and venerating relics, especially those of saints known for their intercessory power. While the exact date of its acquisition by the Maria Stein community is not definitively documented, it is understood to have been received through legitimate ecclesiastical channels, likely from a religious order associated with St. Peregrine, such as the Servite Order (Order of the Servants of Mary), to which he belonged. The Maria Stein Shrine itself has a rich history of collecting relics, beginning in the mid-19th century under the Sisters of the Precious Blood, and this particular relic would have been acquired as part of their broader mission to provide spiritual comfort and a tangible connection to the saints for the faithful. St. Peregrine Laziosi holds profound significance within Catholic tradition, particularly as the patron saint of those suffering from cancer, AIDS, and other incurable diseases. His patronage stems from his own miraculous healing from an aggressive form of cancer in his leg, which was scheduled for amputation. Through intense prayer and a vision of Christ on the cross, Peregrine was cured overnight. This extraordinary intercession has made him a powerful figure of hope and solace for countless individuals facing similar afflictions. For Catholics, the veneration of his relic is not an act of worshipping the relic itself, but rather an act of honoring the saint and seeking his intercession before God. It serves as a tangible reminder of his sanctity, his suffering, and his miraculous healing, inspiring faith and courage in those who approach it. The relic acts as a physical link to a holy person, believed to be a conduit for divine grace and a source of spiritual strength. Today, the first-class relic of St. Peregrine Laziosi is reverently preserved and displayed at the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein, Ohio, USA. The Shrine is one of the largest collections of relics in the United States, drawing pilgrims from across the nation and beyond. The relic is typically housed within a reliquary, a specially designed container that protects and displays the sacred object, often adorned with artistic elements that reflect its spiritual significance. Veneration of the relic at Maria Stein often includes opportunities for prayer, reflection, and the celebration of Mass, particularly on St. Peregrine's feast day (May 1st) or during special services for the sick. The Shrine provides a sacred space where the faithful can draw closer to God through the intercession of St. Peregrine, offering their prayers for healing, comfort, and peace in the face of illness.