St. Gerard Majella

Gerard Majella was born in Muro, Italy in 1726. After the death of his father, he learned the trade of tailoring. For a time he served in the household of a bishop, but in 1745 he opened his own tailor shop. He joined the Redemptorists in 1748 and was professed as a lay brother in 1752. Gerard served his community as an infirmarian and tailor. He became know for his mystical gifts, including bilocation and prophesy and he counseled several communities of religious women. His prayers for a woman in labor resulted in her delivering healthy baby. Gerard was considered a model piety and obedience. He died of tuberculosis in 1755. He is the patron of expectant mothers. His feast day is October 16.