The Novena to St. Gerard asks the intercession of St. Gerard Majella, the Redemptorist brother whom Catholic families have long invoked for mothers, expectant mothers and the gift of children. Pray it for nine days, especially from October 7 to 15, ending on his feast, October 16.
Most Blessed Trinity, I, Your child, thank You for all the gifts and privileges which You granted to St. 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, O 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, St. 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.
St. Gerard in Night Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, by Albin Windhausen (1921). Public domain.
O good St. 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.
Pray the novena prayer once a day for nine days, naming your request where the prayer invites it. Many Catholics pray it from October 7 to 15 so that it ends on his feast, but it may be prayed at any time: during pregnancy, while hoping for a child, before a birth, or after a loss. If a pregnancy is difficult, seek medical care promptly and let prayer accompany that care. Both prayers are taken from EWTN.
St. Gerard Majella (1726–1755) was a Redemptorist lay brother in southern Italy, known for his obedience, his love of the poor and his long hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He died at 29 and was canonized in 1904. EWTN tells the story behind his patronage of mothers.
Shortly before his death, St. Gerard left his handkerchief with a young woman, telling her she would need it one day. Years later, in a dangerous childbirth, she asked for it and was safely delivered. Since then, families have asked his prayers during pregnancy and childbirth. Such stories are testimonies of trust, not guarantees of a particular outcome.
His feast is October 16. It is kept by the Redemptorists and in many dioceses, and families honor him throughout the year.
