Feast Day: October 16
St. Gerard Majella was born in Muro, Italy, in 1726. His father, a tailor, died when Gerard was only twelve, leaving his family in poverty. Despite hardship, Gerard grew in faith and humility.
He was later accepted by the Redemptorists as a lay brother and served in many roles: sacristan, gardener, porter, infirmarian, and tailor. During his short life, Gerard became known as “the wonder-worker” because of the many miracles attributed to his prayers.
Falsely accused of misconduct, he bore the humiliation in silence and forgiveness until his accuser confessed. Gerard’s compassion toward a woman in childbirth made him the patron of expectant mothers and families seeking intercession during pregnancy.
He died of tuberculosis in 1755 at the age of twenty-nine. Found on his door was a note reading, “Here the will of God is done, as God wills and as long as God wills.” He was canonized by Pope St. Pius X on December 11, 1904.