Gerard Majella, Powerful Man of God - Protector of Mother and Child

The Story of Gerard Majella; 

The little boy Gerard was born on 6th April, 1726 in Muro Lucano, Basilicata. His father, a tailor, died when Gerard was only twelve, leaving the family in poverty. His mother sent him to her brother so that he could teach Gerard to sew; Gerard would have been able to follow in his father's footsteps. Eventually Gerard decided to dedicate his life to the service of God. He became a man of deep prayer, and lived a holy life. Miracles have been attributed to this good man, and he became known as the Special Patron of Mothers. This is how it came about; A few months before Gerard's birth into eternal life in 1755, Gerard visited the Pirofalo family and accidentally dropped his handkerchief. One of the girls of the family picked it up, and ran after Gerard in order to return it. 'Keep it', he told her, 'You may need it some day'. 

Years later this lady was in childbirth, which was not going well; she was on the point of dying. She remembered Gerard's words, and asked for the handkerchief to be brought to her. Upon receiving it, her pain instantly disappeared and her child was born, healthy. This was one example of the many miracles that God worked through the intercession of Gerard's prayers in Heaven for mothers on earth. Because of these miracles, the mothers of Italy took Gerard to their hearts and made him their patron. He became known as the 'saint of happy childbirth'. 

PRAYER FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS
Almighty and Everlasting God, please hear my prayer. Through the intercession of St Gerard, I implore You to protect me (her) in motherhood and guard from the evil spirit the child You have given me (her). Grant also that, having lived in Your Love and Service on earth, both mother and child may be united in the everlasting happiness of Heaven. Amen.

PRAYER FOR MOTHER AND CHILD
St Gerard, great wonderworker of our day powerful protector of mother and child, beg God, we implore you, to crush all forces that war against family life and to enlighten those in error that they may turn to the path that obeys God's holy law. Pray, too for mothers that they may worthily esteem the wonderful privilege of motherhood; that they may bring up their children in the holy love and service of God, so saving their own souls and giving praise and glory to His Name. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray;
Almighty and Eternal God, in your all-wise Providence you have deigned to raise up St Gerard Majella to be the glorious protector of mother and child, grant, we earnestly implore you, through the powerful intercession of your holy servant, that the forces of evil may be destroyed and that the family may again flourish to the eternal praise and glory of Your Most Holy Name, through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, Amen.