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Novena to St. Gerard Majella

To St. Gerard Majella, patron of mothers

St. Gerard Majella was an eighteenth-century Redemptorist lay brother known for humility, obedience, and charity. Devotion to him spread through his reputation as a wonder-worker and a special protector of mothers and children. His feast is celebrated on October 16. This novena is traditionally prayed from October 7 through October 15. People seek his intercession for conception, a safe pregnancy, protection during childbirth, and the health of mother and child. Parents also ask for grace to raise their children in the Catholic faith. St. Gerard always directs those who seek his help toward trust in Christ and faithful acceptance of God’s will.

Feast day
October 16
When to begin
Begin on October 7 so that the ninth day is prayed on October 15, the eve of the feast.

Opening prayer, every day

O great St. Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of the 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 St. Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you bore, 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.
Day 1

Humility Before God

St. Gerard followed Christ through a life of quiet humility. He did not seek importance, praise, or comfort. He wanted only to belong completely to God and to serve wherever he was needed. Humility helps you receive every life as a gift rather than a possession. It also teaches you to depend upon grace when your own strength is limited. Ask St. Gerard to help you place your hopes, fears, and plans before God with a peaceful and obedient heart.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.
Day 2

Charity in the Heart

The charity of Christ shaped St. Gerard’s life. His love was shown through patient service, concern for the suffering, and readiness to help those who came to him. Christian love begins in God and seeks the true good of another person. This love is especially needed in family life, where sacrifices are often hidden and repeated. Ask for a heart made generous by grace. Let your concern for mothers, fathers, and children become a practical expression of Christ’s tender care.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.
Day 3

Trusting God’s Will

St. Gerard desired to fulfill God’s designs in every circumstance. Trust in divine providence does not remove sorrow, uncertainty, or difficult decisions. It gives you a firm place to stand while you seek what is good and faithful. God remains close during waiting, pregnancy, illness, and family hardship. His will is never separated from his wisdom and love. Ask St. Gerard to help you discern honestly, pray patiently, and accept the grace God provides for each duty of the present day.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.
Day 4

Patience Under Trial

When St. Gerard was falsely accused, he endured the trial without bitterness or retaliation. His patience reflected the meekness of Christ, who entrusted himself to the Father amid injustice. Family burdens can bring misunderstanding, fear, and painful words. Patience does not excuse wrongdoing, but it keeps suffering from ruling the heart. Ask for the strength to speak truth with charity and to forgive without nourishing resentment. St. Gerard can help you remain close to Christ when your good intentions are doubted.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.
Day 5

Protection of Mothers

Catholics have long sought St. Gerard’s intercession for mothers, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. Motherhood reveals a generous love that gives of itself for another person. It also brings real physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Place every mother under God’s protection today, including those facing fear, illness, poverty, or abandonment. Ask that they receive wise care and faithful support. Through St. Gerard’s prayers, may mothers know that Christ is near and that the Church honors their dignity and vocation.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.
Day 6

Safeguarding Every Child

Every human life is created by God and possesses a dignity that does not depend upon health, ability, age, or circumstance. St. Gerard’s care for mothers is inseparable from concern for their children. Pray today for children in the womb, for infants, and for those whose lives are threatened or neglected. Ask God to strengthen parents and all who care for the vulnerable. May every child be welcomed with love, protected from harm, and brought to the grace of Baptism and life in Christ.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.
Day 7

Hope in Waiting

The desire for a child can be accompanied by long waiting and deep sorrow. Such suffering should be met with compassion rather than easy explanations. God hears every sincere prayer, even when his answer remains hidden. Bring him your hope without pretending that the burden is small. Ask St. Gerard to intercede for those seeking to conceive and for spouses carrying this cross together. May they receive strength, sound guidance, mutual tenderness, and the peace that comes from remaining close to Christ.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.
Day 8

Grace for Parents

Parents are called to be the first teachers of faith for their children. This task is fulfilled through prayer, instruction, example, correction, and daily acts of love. No parent carries it out perfectly, but God supplies grace for sincere and faithful effort. Ask St. Gerard to intercede for mothers and fathers who feel tired or unprepared. May they lead their children toward Christ, participate faithfully in the sacramental life of the Church, and create homes marked by forgiveness, truth, and charity.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.
Day 9

Confidence in Intercession

The saints intercede because they are united to Christ and share in his concern for the members of his Body. Asking St. Gerard to pray does not replace trust in God. It expresses the communion that joins the faithful on earth with the saints in heaven. Conclude this novena with confidence, while leaving every intention in the Father’s hands. Give thanks for graces already received and for help still unseen. May St. Gerard’s prayers draw you toward deeper faith, hope, and love.

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our day, confidently I call upon thee and seek thy aid. On earth thou didst always fulfill God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceedeth, 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.

Closing prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. St. Gerard Majella, pray for us.
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