St. Gerard Majella (1726-1755) is widely venerated as the patron saint of expectant mothers, childbirth, and those struggling with infertility. A Redemptorist lay brother known for his deep spirituality and miracles, his intercession is particularly sought by those hoping to conceive, experiencing difficult pregnancies, or praying for children’s health.
These prayers reflect themes of fertility, safe childbirth, and child protection, making them especially meaningful for parents and those hoping to become parents.
Historical Context
Saint: Gerard Majella
Feast Day: October 16
Patronage: Expectant Mothers, Childbirth, Unborn Children
Era: 18th Century
Prayer to St. Gerard 1
O Almighty and everlasting God,
Who didst draw to thyself Saint Gerard,
even from his tenderest years,
making him conformable to the Image of Thy Crucified Son,
grant we beseech Thee,
that imitating his example,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer:
Prayer to St. Gerard 2
O Good St Gerard,
Powerful intercessor before God
and wonder worker of our day,
confidently I call upon you and seek your aid.
On Earth, you always fulfilled God’s designs,
help me now to do the holy will of God.
Implore the Master of Life,
from whom all paternity proceeds,
to render me fruitful in offspring,
that I may raise up children to God in this life,
and in the world to come,
heirs to the Kingdom of His Glory.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer:
Prayer to St. Gerard 3
St. Gerard,
You had deep compassion for those who longed for children.
Pray for us in our longing
and bring our love to a joyful fulfilment.
Ask our Lord and his Mother Mary
to bless us with the birth of a child.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer:
Prayer to St. Gerard 4
O Saint Gerard,
Who like the Savior, loved children so tenderly
and by your prayers freed many from disease
and even from death;
graciously look down upon the distressed parents
who plead with thee for their child’s health
if such be the Will, of God.
Present their promise to God
to bring up the child a good Christian
and to guard it by word and example
against the fatal leprosy of sin.
This favor we implore thee, O sainted Brother,
through the tender love with which Jesus and Mary
blessed thy own innocent childhood.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer:
Prayer to St. Gerard 5
O good Saint Gerard,
Powerful intercessor before God
and Wonderworker of our day,
I call upon thee and seek thy aid.
Thou who on earth didst always fulfill God’s designs,
help me 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.
Best Times for This Prayer:
Prayer to St. Gerard 6
Saint Gerard,
Unconquered hero, most patient in suffering,
do thou who didst glory in infirmity,
and under slander and most cruel ignominy
didst rejoice to suffer with Christ,
obtain for me patience and resignation in my sorrows,
that I may bravely bear the cross
that is to gain for me the crown of everlasting glory.
Then say Nine Hail Marys,
with the following Versicle and Prayer.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer:
Prayer to St. Gerard 7
Saint Gerard,
Model of holy obedience,
who through thy life didst heroically submit
the judgment to those who represent Jesus Christ to thee,
thus sanctifying thy lowliest actions,
obtain for me from God cheerful admission to His Holy Will
and the virtue of perfect obedience,
that I may be made comfortable to Jesus, my Model,
who was obedient even to death.
Then say Nine Hail Marys,
with the following Versicle and Prayer.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
