AZ Republic Article on the Shrine 2/27/10

"Mesa Shrine Draws Cancer Patients"
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Cancer Resource Center offers help

The Cancer Resource Center, located inside the new St. Peregrine Shrine, assisted one of our first patients last week.

After receiving a call from a patient wanting to obtain a wig from the Center, she was encouraged to come in and select a style from the choices available. When the patient arrived that same morning, she was able to pick out a wig she liked, plus was she was given other helpful items such as a special prayer shawl (created by volunteers who pray for the recipient as they knit the shawl), a St. Peregrine medal, and extensive printed material to take home, from the American Cancer Society. The patient spoke to a trained volunteer who was able to provide peer support, and then took a tour of the Chapel, which included viewing the Wailing Wall that contains prayer notes visibly tucked into the wall.

When expressing a desire to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the director of the Shrine, Melissa Veselovsky, was able to locate Fr. Peter who administered the sacrament on the spot. She received Father's blessing and was anointed with oil.

Before completing her visit, the patient was moved to pray with the relic of St. Peregrine, located in the Resource center, as well as offer her prayers in the Shrine before the sacred Host. She affirmed that the Shrine was a beautiful, healing place that gives peace to those in need of support before, during and after treatment.

The Cancer Resource Center provides supplies for cancer patients, including head coverings, wigs, booties, prayer shawls, printed material, plus emotional and spiritual support to all patients and family members, all offered free of charge.

Hours are Tuesday and Friday, 9:00am – 12noon, and by appointment. For special needs, further information, or cancer support, please call 480-844-4493.