Prayer for Motherhood to Saint Gerard

Saint Gerard Majella is widely recognized as the patron saint of mothers, expectant mothers, and those trying to conceive within the Catholic tradition. He is also invoked for children, unborn children, women in childbirth, falsely accused people, and good confessions. His feast day is celebrated on October 16th.

Born in Muro Lucano, Italy, in 1726, Gerard Majella initially worked as a tailor. Despite frail health, his deep devotion led him to seek a religious vocation. After being denied entry into the Capuchins, he joined the Redemptorist order as a lay brother in 1749. Within the order, he served in various capacities, including tailor, cook, sacristan, and infirmarian. Saint Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorists, referred to him as "a miracle of obedience" Gerard was particularly dedicated to helping the poor and needy, often performing miracles such as multiplying loaves of bread. He was known for extraordinary abilities, including reading hearts and souls and curing illnesses. He died at the young age of 29 from tuberculosis in 1755. Before his death, he requested a sign on his door stating, "Here, the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills" He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1893 and canonized by Pope Pius X in 1904.

Many miracles are attributed to Saint Gerard, both during his lifetime and after his death, particularly concerning childbirth and fertility. One notable story involves a woman dying in childbirth whose life, along with her baby's, was saved through his prayers. Another account tells of a pregnant woman in danger who was saved by praying with a handkerchief Saint Gerard had given her years earlier. These events solidified his reputation as a powerful intercessor for mothers.

For those seeking his intercession for motherhood, various prayers to Saint Gerard Majella are commonly recited. These prayers often ask for fruitfulness, a healthy pregnancy, a safe delivery, and the well-being of the child.

Prayer for Motherhood: "O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and Wonder-worker of our day, I call upon thee and seek thy aid. Thou who on earth didst always fulfill God’s design help me to do the Holy Will of God. Beseech the Master of Life, from Whom all paternity proceeded to render me fruitful in offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life and heirs to the Kingdom of His glory in the world to come. Amen."

Prayer for an Expectant Mother/Safe Delivery: "O great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of Mother of God, enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love. O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like your Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the purifying and life-giving waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Many individuals also undertake a novena to Saint Gerard, a nine-day prayer, often starting on October 7th to conclude on the eve of his feast day. Testimonies of answered prayers, including healthy births after difficult pregnancies and successful conception after infertility, are frequently shared by those who have prayed through his intercession.

PRAYER : " O good Saint Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder worker of our day, I call upon you and seek your help. You who on earth did always fulfill God's designs, help me do the holy will of God. Beseech God the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceeded, to render me fruitful in offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life and heirs to the kingdom of his glory in the world to come, Amen. "