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The anniversary of Roe v. Wade is approaching, and I wanted to share this beautiful devotion. During this time when we remember to protect life at all stages, we need to especially Pray for all moms who are expecting, and the chaplet of St Gerard is a wonderful set of prayers for them!
St. Gerard is a special patron of mothers because of one particular story. Not long before his death, a young girl sought to return a missing handkerchief of St. Gerard's. The saint told her to hold onto it in case she were to ever need it. Long after St. Gerard died, the girl married and was expecting. She was close to losing her baby with an unexpected early labor, but pressed the handkerchief of St Gerard to her stomach and the baby was born healthy.
Chaplet of St. Gerard: On the first three beads, pray one Our Father. On the second three beads, pray one Hail Mary. On the third three beads, pray one Glory Be.
Conclude with (for expectant mothers):
“Great St. Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, thou art a perfect imitator of our meek and humble Savior and a devoted child of the Mother of God. Enkindle in my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity that glowed in Thee and made thee a beacon of love. Glorious St. Gerard like thy divine Master thou bore without murmur or complaint the calumnies of wicked men when falsely accused of crime and were raised up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from dangers and shield the child I now carry. Pray that my baby may be brought safely to the light of day and receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Amen.”
Conclude with (for motherhood/special favors):
“Most Blessed Trinity, I, Thy child, thank Thee for all the gifts and privileges which Thou hast granted to St. Gerard, especially for those virtues with which Thou didst adorn him on earth and the glory which Thou imparts to him in Heaven. Accomplish Thy work, O Lord, so that Thy Kingdom may come about on earth. Through his merits, in union with those of Jesus and Mary, grant me the grace for which I ask (mention your request). And thee, my powerful intercessor, St. Gerard, always so ready to help those who have recourse to thee, pray for me. Come before the Throne of Divine Mercy and do not leave without being heard. To thee I confide this important and urgent affair. Graciously take my cause in hand and do not let me leave without experiencing in some way the effects of thy intercession. Amen.”
