Spiritual healing and support is offered all day, every day, for those suffering from cancer and other terminal illnesses, at St. Peregrine Shrine in Mesa.
According to Bridgette Cosentino, parish manager, every day, hundreds of adorers (prayer volunteers) frequent the intimate adoration chapel on the grounds of Christ the King Roman Catholic Parish, 1551 E. Dana Ave., near downtown Mesa.
The massive prayer project was the idea of Pastor Steve Kunkel, and started about three months ago. He wanted to provide spiritual and prayer support for those affected by cancer. The shrine was built in 2009, and named after the patron saint of the church, Saint Peregrine (Pellegrino) Laziosi (Latiosi) (1260—1 May 1345), whose leg was miraculously cured of cancer after he spent a night in prayer. He is considered the patron saint for persons suffering from cancer, according to the Catholic Church.
“The response has been overwhelming,” said Michelle Fletcher, volunteer manager of prayer petitions. “The chapel is available 24 hours a day, and because the Blessed Sacrament is in the shrine at all times, someone must be in attendance,” she continued. “Volunteers schedule themselves for an hour or more at a time for continual prayer, or can join the prayer services on the second and fourth Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. We even have a special prayer service that runs all through the night every first Friday of the month, from about 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.”
Anyone who is ill, or who has a friend or family member for whom they want prayers, fills out a request. A personalized card is then made with the person’s first name only and a brief history of the individual and the affliction. Cards are placed on a table in the lobby of the chapel. When adorers come in to pray, they see a large-screen TV with the first names and information of those requesting prayers. Prayers can be said in general for all participants, or one can choose the card of a particular person and offer prayers especially for that individual.
“Prayer volunteers are encouraged to write personal notes and comments on the cards,” Michelle said. “We then give the cards to the individuals they are written for, so they know people care, and who prayed for them.
“We get requests from those out of state, as well, and want this project to become a national one,” said Bridgette. “You don’t need to be a Catholic to participate. Our patients and volunteers are of all faiths, and all our volunteers get training,” she continued. “While we may not be able to precipitate physical healing, we can offer healing of the soul and offer meaning to suffering.”
Since the shrine operates on volunteer help and donations, all are invited to become involved.
For information about the shrine activities, visit www.cancershrine.org.