The St. Peregrine Shrine was established under Christ the King Roman Catholic Parish and dedicated by The Most Reverend Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted on November 22nd, 2009. The founding pastor was Father Steve Kunkel. The parishioners of Christ the King parish generously funded the building of a perpetual adoration chapel. The Shrine was graced with perpetual adoration from its inception and a clear mission arose from the desire to serve those affected by cancer. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Bishop Olmsted and Father Kunkel named the chapel The St. Peregrine Shrine and devoted it to those affected by cancer; it is the only Cancer Shrine in the Southwestern United States. There are many people who have been involved in bringing the Shrine and it’s work to where it is today.
The Shrine is located on the north side of the Christ the King Roman Catholic Church campus. Visitors to the 2,300 square foot domed chapel may pray, walk the grounds, and participate in Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Wailling Wall located on the grounds, in semi-private alcove, is a quiet place to mediate before a replica of the Pieta. The Wall connects our sadness to the sorrow of the Blessed Mother. Small slips of paper with prayers written on them may be folded and placed in the cracks of the wall. The wall was inspired by a pilgrimage to the actual Wailing Wall located in Jerusalem, which is believed to be part of the remaining ruins of a great Jewish Temple.
Memorial Bricks pave the way to the Shrine entrance. They can be purchased to commemorate cancer survivorship, honor a loved one, or just show support for the people affected by cancer.
A Cancer Ministry focused on spiritual and emotional healing and support was a strong desire of Father Steve Kunkel. With the help of a few truly dedicated volunteers, a beautiful outreach ministry has been established which welcomes people seeking support for themselves or a loved one who is suffering from cancer. Those affected by cancer may be featured on the prayer wall in the Shrine for an allotted amount of time. Adorers, Christ the King School children, teen groups, prayer groups, and Shrine visitors pray for those requesting prayer and write notes of encouragement. These cards are mailed to the prayer recipients to bring them hope and peace.
The Prayer Group Ministry gathers at the Shrine on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 PM to pray for the sick. There is also a special all night prayer vigil on the First Friday of each month beginning at 9 PM and ending at 5 PM. The Book of Petitions is located in the shrine. Everyone is welcome to write their petitions or thanksgivings. The book is lifted up in prayer during prayer meetings.
The Relic of St. Peregrine – A first class relic of our patron saint, containing his bone fragment, is kept in the Shrine office. Veneration of the relic is offered during prayer group meetings and other times by request.
The St. Peregrine Cancer Shrine is celebrating its 5 Year Anniversary! We extend a heartfelt thank you to all Christ the King Parishioners who have walked as One Body in Christ to build the Shrine which offers perpetual adoration and a sanctuary of spiritual healing and emotional peace for those affected by cancer. It is because of the “yes” in your hearts and your actions that the work of St. Peregrine Cancer Shrine continues to grow and reach out to those struggling with cancer! As we enter into this time of special time to reflect on the Shrine, a personal invitation is extended to each parishioner to spend time with our Lord before the Blessed Sacrament. Enter into the holy mystery of the real presence of Jesus in the Shrine in prayer for yourself or for the intentions of someone struggling with cancer. Personally experience the peace and hope our Lord provides in the sanctuary of the Shrine.
Become a part of our history:
- Join the outreach team! Come to the Shrine any time of the day or night, it is available 24/7. Pray for those affected by cancer and drop your prayers in the box so we can deliver them for you. Do you know of another outreach mission as convenient and flexible as this one to participate in?
- Join the volunteer team who responds to these requests. It takes a great deal of time and effort to respond to the various requests coming to the Shrine on a daily basis. Come and be filled by this great work of mercy.
- Finally be generous and share the financial resources which God has blessed you with. The Saint Peregrine Endowment fund was created to ensure the perpetuity of the Shrine and it’s work.
The Shrine, and the work done through it, provides a sanctuary for spiritual healing and emotional peace. We offer true strength for the journey not found in the doctor’s offices or cancer centers. While we all hope and pray for physical healing, we know that spiritual healing offers the greatest peace. It is because of you that we are able to provide strength for the challenging journey of cancer to so many. And remember, God will never be outdone in generosity!