Servite Center of Compassion

Servite Center Mission
The Mission of the Servite Center of Compassion, located at the Servite Motherhouse in Omaha, is to be "a sacred space in the city welcoming all with compassion and hope."

The Ministry of the Servite Center of Compassion is to offer a variety of programs, which are related to the three areas of spirituality, healing, and women's issues.

Spirituality offerings include;

• retreat days and spiritual direction;
• monthly Taize prayer and prayer day for peace;
• presentations on prayer, scripture, theology, world religions, and spirituality in daily life;
• a bookstore with resources for spiritual development.

Offerings related to healing include:

• the St. Peregrine Prayer Program for those who suffer from cancer and other life threatening illnesses;
• the Peregrine Chapel and the Healing Garden, peaceful places for reflection;
• healing arts such as massage, healing touch, reiki, and Tai Chi Chih;
• presentations on topics related to wellness and care giving.

Programs around issues of interest to women include:

• book sharing groups and support groups;
• presentations on women's spirituality and on family enrichment;
• music and dance instruction, reading and math tutoring for children;
• collaboration with local women's groups that offer similar programs.

For a complete listing of Servite Center of Compassion scheduled programs and ongoing programs and to register for a program, please click here.

The Servite Center is available for rental to groups offering programs compatible with the Center's Mission. The Center offers a large gathering space (100 persons in lecture style and 80 at round tables), small breakout rooms, a chapel, healing garden and grounds, and a kitchenette (food service not provided). For more information on the Servite Center of Compassion contact the Director at scc@osms.org or 402-951-3026.

Institute of Compassionate Presence
The Institute of Compassionate Presence (ICP) is a program of the Servite Center of Compassion in Omaha, NE. This eight-month program, from September to April, is offered to professional and non-professional persons who wish to deepen the living of compassion in their personal and professional lives. Once a month participants come together for a day of input, sharing of experiences, and integration activities. A different facet of compassion is explored in each session. Presenters are local and national professionals with expertise in their fields. Participants can receive college credit or CEUs for the program through the College of St. Mary in Omaha. This enrichment opportunity both enhances the participants' lives and brings a deepened sense of compassion to our world.

For details of the program click here to see the brochure. To register for the program click to make a copy of the brochure which can be filled out and mailed in.

St. Peregrine Ministry

The St. Peregrine Ministry is a program of the Servite Center of Compassion in Omaha with out-reach in other areas where the Sisters serve. It is part of a national ministry that the Servite Order established in honor of St. Peregrine, the Servite saint who is the patron of those suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses.

St. Peregrine
St. Peregrine Laziosi was born in Forli, Italy, in 1265. At age 17, Peregrine was the leader of a gang of youths in Forli. Later, Peregrine was remorseful for the wrongs he had done and asked to be admitted to the Servants of Mary Order.

Later in his life, Peregrine was afflicted with cancer on his leg. The doctor recommended amputation as the only course of action. The night before surgery, Peregrine prayed before a large crucifix in the monastery. That night, Peregrine dreamed that Christ on the crucifix lifted his hand from the cross and touched the sore on Peregrine's leg, immediately healing the cancer. When Peregrine awoke, the cancer was gone.

Peregrine continued his life of preaching and penance for another 20 years. In 1726, he was canonized and named the official saint of the Church for the cure of cancer.

St. Peregrine Prayer Program
We are privileged to pray for individuals and families through the intercession of St. Peregrine, a cancer survivor who turned to prayer during his time of need. Thousands of people from throughout the world have found emotional and physical strength from being remembered in our prayer and participating in the Program. We invite you to enroll yourself or a loved one in the St. Peregrine Prayer Program. Click here to enroll.

A Mass is celebrated in honor of St. Peregrine the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows Convent in Omaha, Nebraska. At the Mass, we pray for all who are suffering from cancer, AIDS and other serious illnesses. Three times a year, an anointing service takes place during the Liturgy. We also sponsor three days of prayer (Triduum) the third weekend in May, the month of the feast of St. Peregrine.

Our Peregrine ministry extends to family members after the death of a loved one. Our Bereavement Program includes a newsletter and a memorial Mass on the third Saturday of November, which is held in honor of all who have died during the past year.

The Peregrine Chapel, next to our main Chapel, contains a sculpture of St. Peregrine and provides visitors a place for quiet prayer.

Our beautiful Healing Garden, on the grounds of our Motherhouse, has a life-size sculpture of the Compassionate Christ. It is the focal point that welcomes visitors into the garden. A display of the Seven Sorrows of Mary is mounted on the garden's north wall. Benches placed among the garden's floral beauty provide the perfect setting for solitary meditation and healing reflection.

To be put on the Servite mailing list or for more information on the Servite Center, please contact the St. Peregrine Program Director at stperegrine@osms.org.

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