My little brother Ian, who will turn 24 this month, has just been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Today I received a phone call from my Dad saying that I should start looking at plane tickets to Winnipeg.
I have started a Facebook group, Prayers for Ian, which you are welcome to join. Through it I am organizing a Novena to St. Peregrine, patron saint of cancer patients. (My first son’s, and Ian’s first nephew’s, middle name is Peregrine. Peregrine was a Servite, and I once lived briefly at the founding house of the Servite Order north of Florence.)
Please join us, starting on Thursday January 6, in this Novena.
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called “The Mighty,” “The Wonder-Worker,” because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you, especially for Ian Salkeld.
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen.
The tradition is to say this prayer every day for nine days. If you want to start another round when this one ends, don’t let me stop you.
Thank you all.
UPDATE: Scripture Reflection for a Little Brother’s Funeral
Brett Salkeld is a doctoral student in theology at Regis College in Toronto. He is a father of two (so far) and husband of one.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In