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MESA — Christ the King Parish invites Catholics to join its novena to St. Peregrine which began today at the 8 a.m. Mass.

(Sorry about the late notice. In my rush to beat yesterday’s storm, this didn’t get posted).

The nine-day prayer is for the successful completion of the St. Peregrine Chapel and Shrine. Although both will be housed at the Mesa parish, Melissa Veselovsky said the chapel and shrine — named after the patron saint of cancer sufferers — will allow patients and their family members throughout the diocese to visit and draw their strength from God.

“Especially when someone’s going through cancer, so many things are going on,” Veselovsky said in an April article announcing plans for shrine. “It’s so hectic. To find a safe, serene place is very important.”

Veselovsky, who heads the diocese’s Healing Through the Body of Christ Cancer Ministry, intends the chapel to be that serene place. The 2,200 square-foot chapel will feature a domed roof with dark wood inside. Statues of healing saints and stained glass work will surround those who come to pray. The ministry is awaiting final numbers and scheduling from the contractors before holding a ceremonial grounbreaking.

Meanwhile, Catholics affected by cancer can pray for the chapel’s successful and prompt completion by offering a novena to St. Peregrine. Again, it begins today. It will continue during the daily Mass through Sept. 2 with the greater community praying for the chapel’s intention during the 9 a.m. Sunday liturgy Aug. 31. The novena concludes with a special Mass of Healing Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.

On a side-note . . .

Leaders in the Catholic community who work with those affected by cancer might want to look further into Thursday’s “Facing Cancer in the Faith Community” conference. It’s an opportunity for interfaith leaders and healthcare professionals to network.

The medical director of the Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center will give a presentation on understanding cancer. Five people of faith whose lives have been affected by cancer — including three survivors, a caregiver and a teenager — will share their testimony. Four religious leaders will share their experience in cancer ministry.

Organizers expect more than 500 religious leaders to attend.

-Ambria