St. Gerard of Majella's Feast Day

Today is the feast day of St. Gerard of Majella. He has always held a special place in my heart and my prayer life.

I was saying daily prayers to him, beseeching his assistance in adding a child to our family -- not knowing that C was nestled safely in my womb for many months (I was 28 weeks along before finding out I was pregnant.)

I continued calling upon him during the remainder of my pregnancy and then again during my 2nd pregnancy. I found a small statue of him that sits on my dresser long before I was expecting L. A few months ago he fell and broke his arm. I kept his hand safe, but just today finally glued him back together.

When I hear of someone expecting, I often send one of his prayer cards along to the expectant mom. He is the patron saint of expectant mothers, among other things.

He was a tailor, apprenticed out at a very young age to help support his mother after his father's death. He patiently waited for admission to the Redemptorists, who didn't want to take him because of his frail health. He performed miracles throughout his life, which earned him the name of "Wonderworker."

One story I love is that he was forbidden by his superior to perform any miracles without permission. A man fell from scaffolding, and St. Gerard stopped him in mid-air while he went to ask permission to save him. He received permission, and the man floated gently down to the ground.

He was also able to bi-locate and was often seen caring for 2 families at the same time during the plage of the early 1700's.

When we baptized L, we were asked to name a family patron saint. It was easy for me to choose St. Gerard.

We'll make some biscotti in honor of him today (he was Italian) and perhaps the boys will sew a little bit in honor of his time as a tailor.