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History of the Shrine

Where Faith Meets Hope in the Journey Through Cancer

A Sanctuary of Prayer, Hope & Healing

The St. Peregrine Cancer Shrine was established at Christ the King Roman Catholic Parish in Mesa, Arizona, and dedicated by the Most Reverend Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted on November 22, 2009. Founded under the leadership of Father Steve Kunkel, the Shrine was created through the generosity of Christ the King parishioners and a shared desire to provide a place of prayer and hope for those affected by cancer.

From its beginning, the Shrine has been blessed with Perpetual Adoration and entrusted to the intercession of St. Peregrine, patron saint of those suffering from cancer. It remains the only Catholic cancer shrine in the Southwestern United States.

A Place of Prayer

Located on the north side of the Christ the King campus, the Shrine offers a peaceful place to:

  • Spend time in Perpetual Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament
  • Pray for yourself or someone facing cancer
  • Walk the peaceful Shrine gardens
  • Leave prayers and intentions in the Book of Petitions
  • Seek the intercession of St. Peregrine

Sacred Spaces

The Shrine grounds offer several special places for prayer and remembrance:

  • The Wailing Wall — A quiet place to bring your sorrow, hopes, and prayers before the Lord.
  • Memorial Pavers — A lasting way to honor a loved one, commemorate a cancer journey, celebrate survivorship, or remember someone who has gone before us.
  • The Relic of St. Peregrine — A First-Class Relic of our patron saint is available for veneration at designated times.

A Ministry of Hope

The St. Peregrine Cancer Ministry extends prayer, encouragement, and spiritual support to those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Through the generosity and service of our volunteers, the ministry offers:

  • Prayer Cards and an Online Prayer Companion
  • Prayer shawls and lap blankets
  • Prayer packets with a blessed Rosary and Brown Scapular
  • Opportunities for Shrine visitors, adorers, students, and prayer groups to pray for those facing cancer

A Legacy of Faith

The Shrine exists because countless people have answered the call to pray, serve, and give. What began with a vision has grown into a community of faith that continues to bring hope and comfort to those walking the difficult journey of cancer.

Through the intercession of St. Peregrine, may all who enter the Shrine find peace, strength, and the assurance that they are never alone.

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