St. Gerard Majella

St. Gerard Majella is the patron of expectant mothers. He was born in 1726 in Muro, Italy to a family of seven. Majella grew up in a poverty with a great respect for the poor. As he was just 12 when his father passed away, he was forced to grow up fast. Shortly after his father's death, his mother sent him away to live with his uncle and learn to become a tailor, like his father. After a few years of working as a sewing apprentice, Majella took on a job with the local Bishop of Lacedonia as a servant. Once Majella began earning money as a journeyman at the age of 21, he split his earnings with his mother, the poor of Muro and the rest in offerings for the poor souls. As the days passed, Majella began to grow pale and thin, often fasting and in prayer at a nearby Cathedral.

He applied to the Capuchin monastery at Muro twice, but was turned down both times. Majella was told his health was not well enough for such a strenuous life. However, Majella did not give up. In 1749, at the age of 23, he joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and just three years later became a professed lay brother. Majella lived with the three vows of Poverty, Chasity and Obedience. He stayed close with the poor and worked very many different jobs. He served as sacristan, gardener, porter, infirmarian, and tailor. However, because of his great piety, extraordinary wisdom, and his gift of reading consciences, he was permitted to counsel communities of religious women. Majella was often called on by the poor and the sick. Wherever his presence was demanded he graciously presented himself. He was there to "do the Will of God."

This humble servant of God also had faculties associated with certain mystics including, levitation, bi-location and the ability to read souls. His charity, obedience, and selfless service as well as his ceaseless mortification for Christ, made him the perfect model of lay brothers. Throughout his years of life, several reported miracles are tied to Majella including, restoring a boy's life after he fell from a high cliff; blessing a poor farmer's crops, ridding it of mice; blessing a poor family's supply of wheat, causing it to last until the next harvest; and he multiplied bread for the poor on several occasions.

Along with his miracles effected through prayers for woman in labor, Majella's last recorded miracle is one that many credit toward his becoming the patron of expectant mothers. Shortly before his death, Majella encountered a young girl. He had dropped his handkerchief and she set out to return it, only to be told to keep it. Majella told her she "may need it someday." Years after Majella's passing, the young girl became married and with child. She unexpectedly went into labor and was on the verge of losing her baby. She called for Majella's handkerchief to be applied to her. Almost immediately, her pain abated and she proceeded to give birth to a healthy child, something very rare during that time.

Even as Majella became ill with tuberculosis, he only desired to live in God's will. His one last request was that a small placard be placed on his door stating, "Here the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills." Majella was told the Will of God wanted him to get better, and almost at once he became well. However, this only lasted for a month and quickly he became very ill once again. St. Gerard Majella died of disease on October 16, 1755 at the age of 29, living in the religious life for six years. Due to the numerous miracles performed through Majella's prayers, proceedings for his canonization began shortly after his death. In 1893, Majella was beatified by Pope Leo XIII and on December 11, 1904, Pope Pius X canonized the man of God.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Gerard Majella is celebrated on October 16th, during the autumn season when the Church reflects on the themes of harvest and thanksgiving. This feast is celebrated as a memorial in the Roman Catholic Church, recognizing Gerard's importance as the patron of expectant mothers and a model of humility and service. The feast falls during a time when many people are reflecting on the blessings of family and the gift of life, making it an ideal time to remember Gerard's special care for mothers and unborn children. The feast provides an opportunity to honor Gerard's memory and to reflect on how we can better serve and support expectant mothers and families. It is also a time to pray for all those who are expecting children, for those who are struggling with infertility, and for all families who are welcoming new life.

Traditions and Customs

On the feast day of St. Gerard Majella, many people participate in special prayers and devotions to honor his memory and seek his intercession. Churches, particularly those with connections to pro-life ministries or family ministries, hold special Masses and services. Many expectant mothers and families gather to pray for safe pregnancies and healthy births, asking for St. Gerard's intercession in helping them through the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. The day is also marked by prayers for all those who work in healthcare, particularly those who care for mothers and children, asking for Gerard's guidance in helping them to serve with compassion and skill. Many people also take time to reflect on their own call to serve others and to pray for the grace to be more humble and selfless in their daily lives. The feast is also a time to reflect on how we can better support families and to ensure that every child is welcomed with love and care.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of humility and the ability to serve others with love and selflessness. Many people make special petitions for expectant mothers and families, asking for St. Gerard's intercession in helping them to have safe pregnancies and healthy births. The day is also a time to reflect on the importance of accepting God's will and to pray for the grace to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when it involves difficulties or suffering. St. Gerard's feast day encourages us to remember that we are all called to be servants of God and that true greatness comes from serving others with love and humility. It is also a time to pray for the grace to be advocates for life and to support families in welcoming and caring for new life. The feast reminds us that every human life is precious and that we should do all we can to protect and support mothers and their unborn children.