Living with Cancer: Nourished by Faith, Hope, and Apple Pie

On July 13, 2025, The Catholic Register, published an article about the book Living with Cancer: Nourished by Faith, Hope, and Apple Pie, written by Father Lui Santi, C.PP.S.

When he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2020, Father Lui Santi, CPPS, found strength and comfort in two powerful sources: prayer and writing.

What began as an intimate diary of her struggles and hopes has become a deeply personal and inspiring booklet: Living with Cancer: Nourished by Faith, Hope, and Apple Pie.

With just 20 pages, the booklet was born from the need to stay grounded during difficult chemotherapy treatments.

Father Santi, provincial of Atlantic Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, claims he never intended to publish his writings. The idea only gained traction after he was invited to speak at a conference on stomach cancer.

One participant suggested that he compile his thoughts into a more accessible format. This suggestion was reinforced by a colleague who realized the transformative potential of his words.

"It started as simple documentation. My spiritual director encouraged me to jot down a word or two, a random phrase, or a prayer. And I kept writing," Father Santi said.

The result is a guide that blends personal experiences, spiritual reflections, and passages from Scripture, with the aim of deepening faith and one's relationship with God in times of trial.

Gratitude and the constant presence of God during his illness stand out as central themes of the material.

"My faith was fundamental throughout the process. Prayer was the best medicine," he says.

“Medicine takes care of the body, but the soul needs to be cared for by friends, prayer, the sacraments, and the Word.”

The booklet's title may come as a surprise: why "apple pie"? The choice is both literal and symbolic.

During chemotherapy, Father Santi's favorite dessert became a small indulgence allowed by doctors – and, over time, it came to represent moments of relief and joy in the midst of suffering.

Friends and parishioners began to frequently offer him pies, which he saved and savored little by little, as a gesture of affection and hope.

“We all need to find those little moments of comfort in the midst of struggle.”

“It could be a walk, a special prayer, a food we love… something that “reenergizes” us to keep going.”

All profits from the sale of the booklet will go to Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, an organization that shares the principles of Father Santi, defending life from conception to natural death.

Reflecting on the impact of his work, Father Santi expresses the hope that his testimony will serve as a light for others facing serious illnesses.

"Never give up, especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope. God is always with you, even in moments of doubt. Faith is trust, even in confusion."

Living with Cancer: Nourished by Faith, Hope, and Apple Pie can be ordered directly from the author at e-mail. The booklet costs US$ 8..

*Text re-edited with AI