Allow me to take a moment away from “Synod Talk” to wish all of you a blessed Feast of St. Gerhard Majella, a lay brother of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and the patron saint of mothers and expectant mothers. While the General Roman Calendar assigns St. Hedwig to October 16, the Redemptorists traditionally celebrated this day as a II Class Feast for St. Gerard. Further information about the life of St. Gerard, along with special prayers and devotions to him, is available online here.
The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (Transalpine Redemptorists) on Papa Stronsay have relics of St. Gerard which they make available to mothers in distress or those who have difficulty conceiving. More information on how you can acquire a relic for yourself or a friend is available from the Sons’ website here.
