Saint Gerard Majella was an 18th-century lay brother. He was born on April 23, 1726, and grew up in Muro Lucano, Italy. Gerard lived in a large, poor family, and began working as a tailor after his father's death
Saint Gerard modeled a simple trust in God’s Will. He was turned down twice by the local Capuchin order due to his young age and poor health. Eventually, he entered into the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. It is said that he professed perpetual vows under the Redemptorist’s founder, Saint Alphonsus Liguori.
During his life on earth, Saint Gerard was known for his incredible sense of charity and his supernatural gifts of bilocation, prophecy, ecstasies, and infused knowledge.
Saint Gerard is widely known today for his powerful intercessory prayers regarding women and children.
Saint Gerard was canonized in 1904. Although the Church has not officially declared him as the ultimate saint for mothers, his prayers are sought after as a patron saint of children and childbirth, pregnant women and mothers, and the pro-life movement. His intercession is also sought by couples trying to conceive.
The story of how this legacy began is very sweet!
According to Catholic News Agency,
“Just prior to his death, Saint Gerard visited his friends, the Pirofalo family. One of the daughters ran and called after him as he left the home, as he dropped his handkerchief. Speaking through the gift of prophecy, he replied, ‘Keep it. It will be useful to you someday.’ Years down the road, when this young woman was in danger of childbirth, she recalled these words of Saint Gerard, and requested the handkerchief. The handkerchief was applied to her, thus a miracle: her pain immediately ceased and she gave birth to a healthy child.”
The following prayers are for the intercession of Saint Gerard as a mother–or expectant mother.
Prayer to Saint Gerard
Saint Gerard, passionate lover of Jesus crucified and His mother Mary, you spent your short life helping countless souls by your powerful prayers, especially mothers and families and so earning the title of "The Mothers' Saint." Pray for me that I may obtain what I earnestly ask in the name of Jesus and grant me the grace to accept wholeheartedly God's will in my life.
Novena Prayer to Saint Gerard
Most Blessed Trinity, I, Your child, thank You for all the gifts and privileges which You granted to Saint Gerard, especially for those virtues with which You adorned him on earth and the glory which You now impart to him in heaven. Accomplish Your work, Oh Lord, so that Your kingdom may come about on earth. Through his merits, in union with those of Jesus and Mary, grant me the grace for which I ask.... (Mention your request)
And you, my powerful intercessor, Saint Gerard, always so ready to help those who have recourse to you, pray for me. Come before the throne of Divine Mercy and do not leave without being heard. To you I confide this important and urgent affair.... Graciously take my cause in hand and do not let me end this novena without having experienced in some way the effects of your intercession. Amen.
For the Gift of Children
O good Saint Gerard, powerful intercessor before the throne of God, wonder-worker of our day, I call upon you and seek your help. While on earth, you always fulfilled God's designs; help me, too, always do God's holy will. Beseech the master of life, from whom all parenthood proceeds, to bless me with offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life and heirs to the kingdom of God's glory in the life to come. Amen.