Saint Gerard Patron of Motherhood and Childbirth

Saint Gerard was born at Muro, Italy, in 1726 and joined the Redemptorists at the age of 23, becoming a professed lay brother in 1752. He was a model of obedience, an angel in purity, possessed extraordinary wisdom and mystical abilities such as powers of prophecy, healing, bilocation and the reading of consciences. He spent his life dedicated to helping the needy and the poor.  On one occasion, an expectant mother, fearing the loss of her baby, asked Gerard to pray for her. He graciously obliged and the mother delivered a healthy baby. Through many miraculous encounters, God worked wonders through Saint Gerard.

He died in 1755 and was canonized in 1904.

Saint Gerard is recognized today as the patron of expectant mothers and of safe delivery of children at birth. His feast day is October 16th.