aint Gerard Majella (1726–1755) was an Italian lay brother of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and is widely venerated as the patron saint of mothers, especially expectant mothers. Born on April 6, 1726, in Muro Lucano, Italy, Gerard was the youngest of four children in a humble, devout family. His father died when Gerard was only 12, forcing him to work as a tailor’s apprentice to support his family.
Gerard was deeply pious from a young age and had a strong desire to dedicate his life to God. After being rejected by other religious orders due to his frail health, he was finally accepted as a lay brother by the Redemptorists in 1749. Despite his poor health and limited education, Gerard performed menial tasks with joy and served as a porter, sacristan, and gardener.
He became known for his profound humility, deep prayer life, and extraordinary spiritual gifts, including bilocation, prophecy, and miraculous healings. One of his most famous miracles occurred when a young woman falsely accused him of fathering her child. Rather than defend himself, Gerard remained silent, trusting God to reveal the truth. The woman later confessed to lying, and Gerard’s reputation for holiness only grew.
St. Gerard died on October 16, 1755, at the age of 29, likely from tuberculosis. He was canonized by Pope Pius X in 1904. Today, he is especially invoked by mothers for safe pregnancies and childbirth, earning him the title of “The Mothers’ Saint.” His feast day is celebrated on October 16.