Pregnancy / Gerard Majella, 1725–1755,
Feast Day: October 16
A simple-minded lay brother, Gerard was known for working wonders. Once, after he had been visiting friends, their daughter tried to return a handkerchief he had left behind. He refused it, telling her it might be useful to her one day. Years later, she had it brought to her when she was dying in childbirth. She lived to deliver a healthy baby, and the handkerchief is still a popular relic for expectant mothers.
Other patronages: lay brothers, mothers
Invoked: against infertility