When Fr. Lui Santi was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2020, he turned to personal journaling and deep prayer for added strength and comfort.

Across the next four years, he would unexpectedly craft Living with Cancer: Nourished by Faith, Hope and Apple Pie, a 20-page booklet he hopes will guide readers toward trusting in God through some of life’s biggest trials. 

Santi, the provincial for the Missionaries of the Precious Blood’s Atlantic Province, said his new booklet was never intended to be released to the public. His initial journaling process was simply a way to stay grounded during his many gruelling chemotherapy treatments. 

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“ It began as simple documenting and writing with  my spiritual director encouraging me to jot down notes, a word or two, a random phrase or a prayer, and so I just keep writing things down,” he said. 

Upon being invited to speak at a stomach cancer conference, an attendee asked Santi to put his thoughts and prayers together in a book form, something he was still uninterested in. It wasn’t until another colleague looked at his presentation and further encouraged Santi to pursue a print format, realizing its potential to benefit others in similar situations. 

Designed to deepen readers' trust, relationship and friendship with God, the booklet also provides various prayers, reflection opportunities and content from Scripture. A prominent theme is that of thanksgiving and gratitude for God and His presence in Santi’s life, especially through his illness. 

Authentic in its premise, message and delivery, many of Living with Cancer’s insights about the importance of steadfast faith while grappling with a serious illness like stomach cancer come directly from the man who experienced it firsthand. 

“ My faith played a huge role throughout the process of making this booklet. I got a lot of support through prayer, which I think is the best medicine. When you become ill, the medical staff are excellent at addressing the clinical sciences and working on the body, but we have to work on the body and soul,” he said.

“The body can be taken care of by the medicine, and the soul is supported by our friends, prayer, the sacraments and Scripture. It is there that we find the comfort, encouragement and strength to continue each day.” 

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While faith and hope sound like logical elements to be nourished by, the concept of a nurturing apple pie, as suggested by the book's title, may stump some readers. As it turns out, the allusion is both literal and symbolic. 

“Apple pie is my favourite dessert, and when you're doing chemotherapy, your oncologist says that you can cheat every now and again. I said, ‘Can I have apple pie?’ and he said yes, but only around once a month. People found out and would bring me apple pies continuously, and I would store them in the freezer and eat slices bit by bit,” he said.

And while it was the occasional slice of apple pie for Santi, he believes the concept of a rejuvenating treat can, and should, be applied by anyone facing an illness. 

“Each individual should know where they find that moment of solace and comfort to break away from the routine of treatments and appointments, where they have that downtime. It can reenergize and restore you to continue moving forward and accepting the battle you are facing.” 

All proceeds from Santi's booklet  will be donated to the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, an organization whose beliefs align with Santi’s through the belief in life from conception to natural death and a firm opposition to medical assistance in dying. 

Looking ahead, Santi shared his wishes for his readers, particularly those struggling with an illness themselves. His hopes for them, one amplified by the spiritual guidance of his booklet, go far beyond nourishment and the occasional dessert.  

“ Never give up, especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope, be hopeful. You're not alone, God is always with you, and know that faith is trusting in God even in moments of doubt and confusion,” he said. 

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“Finally, be persistent and persevere. Continue to trust and believe in our God, who loves us, walks with us and gets us through. Prayer, support and medical staff, everything comes together to give you that encouragement to go on.” 

The soft cover booklet can be ordered at [email protected] for $8 each, with an included $2 for postage and handling.