Last August 8, 2026, at the Parish Hall, we gathered for a meaningful Symposium as part of the 300th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Peregrine Laziosi. The program featured two talks: “The Relics of St. Peregrine Laziosi in the Philippines,” presented by Fr. Ador Ma. Javier, OSM, and “St. Peregrine Healing Ministry in the Philippines,” presented by Fra. Ronel Ma. Advincula, OSM. With Rev. Fr. Bryan Ma. Eala, OSM, Ad Hoc Head and Parish Priest of St. Peregrine Laziosi and Rev. Fr. Jumen Ma. Arcelo, OSM, Master and Prior of St. Alexis Formation House and one of the Committee, other committee members, and the different parish ministries, we came together in faith and learning.

The first talk traced the journey of the relic from Forlì, Italy to the Philippines. In August 1984, a small reliquary of St. Peregrine was entrusted by the Servites of Forlì to the missionaries coming to the Philippines; a sign of communion and mission across the sea. The historical account was enriched through the valuable data and information generously contributed by our devotees in Cavite, whose records and shared knowledge became part of the materials gathered for the Symposium.

The second talk unfolded the beginnings of the St. Peregrine Healing Ministry in the Philippines, particularly its roots in 1992, when Fr. Gino Ma. Leonardi, OSM, brought the relic while praying with a woman suffering from terminal cancer and her family. It reminded us that healing is ultimately God’s work, while the intercession of St. Peregrine brings the suffering closer to Christ through prayer and trust.

Through the Symposium, we were reminded that the relic, the history, and the healing ministry all point to the redemptive merits of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, who is the sole source of healing. The faith of our devotees, the service of the Servites, and the stories preserved through generations continue to witness to God’s grace. May the devotion to St. Peregrine remains a source of faith, prayer, compassion, healing, and hope for all who suffer.

– Arlene Pajatin