Today's prayer: Devotion to San Gerardo Maiella to ask for a grace

THE CULT OF THE HOLY
Although his cause for beatification began late (80 years after his death) for various reasons, the number of those who invoked the patronage of Gerardo has been continuous and growing over time. For this fame sanctitatis always alive and never dormant, Pope Leo XIII declared him blessed on January 29, 1893; it was then canonized by Pope Pius X on 11 December 1904. A petition signed by thousands of faithful and hundreds of bishops was presented to the Pope to solemnly proclaim Gerardo Maiella patron saint of mothers and children for the whole Universal Church.
The cult of the Saint is present in different parts of the world, and is particularly alive in the areas he visited such as Deliceto, the towns of the province of Avellino, including Lacedonia and Materdomini, which preserves its mortal remains, and still Corato (where he is co-patron), Muro Lucano, Baragiano, Vietri di Potenza, Pescopagano, Potenza, Monopoli, Molfetta, San Giorgio del Sannio, Tropea; one of his sanctuaries is also located in the territory of the municipality of Piedimonte Etneo and there is an additional sanctuary dedicated to him in Sant'Antonio Abate, the country of which he is a patron and where the order of the Gerardine Sisters of Sant was founded in 1930 Antonio Abate. In Lanzara, the Gerardine Association has been active since April 1903. The cult has spread widely also in Europe, Oceania and America. In fact, there are numerous churches, hospitals and houses dedicated to him. The pilgrimages to his grave are incessant: it is estimated that more than a million pilgrims go there every year to venerate his mortal remains. Its shrine is particularly popular with young mothers. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the beautiful Sala dei fiocchi, whose walls and ceiling are covered with thousands of pink and light blue bows that mothers, as a sign of thanks, have donated to the Saint over the years.

The Roman Martyrology fixes the date of October 16 for its liturgical memory.

THE LIFE
Born near Potenza in 1726, he died in 1755. From a poor family, he tried in vain to become a Capuchin, like a maternal uncle. He made his novitiate in the Redemptorists under the guidance of Paolo Cafaro and made his vows as coadjutor brother, then performing the most humble tasks in the convent. In charge of organizing public collections, he took advantage of it to do conversion work, to bring peace and to bring other monasteries to religious fervor. Slandered by a woman and, for her simple soul unable to defend herself, she suffered greatly. Transferred to the Sele valley, he carried out a great work of apostolate in isolated villages, communicating his spiritual wealth to those who approached him. From a very young age, mystical impulses were revealed in him that led him to union with God and, like any contemplative, he loved nature and beauty.

Patronage: Cognati

Etymology: Gerardo = brave with the spear, from German

Roman Martyrology: In Materdomini in Campania, Saint Gerardo Majella, religious of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, who, kidnapped by an intense love for God, embraced wherever he found an austere standard of living and, consumed by his fervor for God and for souls , he fell asleep piously at a young age.

Plead to San Gerardo
O Saint Gerard, you who with your intercession, your graces and your favors, have guided innumerable hearts to God; you who have been elected comforter of the afflicted, relief of the poor, doctor of the sick; you who make your devotees cry in consolation: listen to the prayer that I turn to you confidently. Read in my heart and see how much I suffer. Read in my soul and heal me, comfort me, console me. You who know my affliction, how can you see me suffer so much without coming to my aid?

Gerardo, come to my rescue soon! Gerardo, make me too in the number of those who love, praise and thank God with you. Let me sing his mercies together with those who love me and suffer for me.

What does it cost you to listen to me?

I will not cease to invoke you until you have fully fulfilled me. It is true that I do not deserve your graces, but listen to me for the love you bring to Jesus, for the love you bring to Mary most holy. Amen.