Peregrine

Saint Peregrine, known in Latin as Peregrinus, lived in the early centuries of the Church, when confessing Christ could demand the ultimate sacrifice. Though the details of his birth and homeland are not preserved, his witness shines clearly through the manner of his death. During the reign of the Roman Emperor Commodus, Peregrine and other Christians were commanded to honor the emperor with acts of worship on his birthday. Refusing to give divine honor to any but the one true God, Peregrine remained steadfast in faith, choosing loyalty to Christ over safety and public approval. For this courageous refusal, he suffered martyrdom, and the Church venerates him as one who sealed his baptism with his blood. Today, devotion to Saint Peregrine extends far beyond the ancient world. His relics are preserved at Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, and he is honored as the patron saint of the Croatian city of Umag. His feast day is celebrated on August 25.