9 Days Novena to St. Gerard Majella: Complete Prayers and Devotional Content

Definition

The 9 Days Novena to St. Gerard Majella is a nine-day Catholic prayer devotion honoring St. Gerard Majella, an 18th-century Italian Redemptorist lay brother known as the “Mothers’ Saint.” Canonized in 1904, he is the patron saint of expectant mothers, childbirth, children, unborn children, mothers, motherhood, falsely accused people, good confessions, lay brothers, and Muro Lucano, Italy. His intercession is sought for safe pregnancies, fertility, and other needs, inspired by miracles like the healing of a mother in childbirth. The novena is often prayed from October 7 to October 16, his feast day, or any nine days for specific intentions.

Complete Prayers for the Novena to St. Gerard Majella

The following prayers are recited daily for nine consecutive days, adapted from traditional sources, focusing on St. Gerard’s virtues and intercession. Each day emphasizes a specific virtue, followed by nine Hail Marys, a versicle, and a concluding prayer.

Day One: Faith
Saint Gerard, ever full of faith, obtain for me that, believing firmly all that the Church of God proposes to my belief, I may strive to secure through a holy life the joys of eternal happiness.
Recite nine Hail Marys.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Almighty and Everlasting God, who drew Saint Gerard to Yourself from his tenderest years, making him conformable to the Image of Your Crucified Son, grant, we beseech You, that imitating his example, we may be made like unto the same Divine Image, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Day Two: Detachment
Saint Gerard, most generous saint, who from your tenderest years cared so little for the goods of earth, grant that I may place all my confidence in Jesus Christ alone, my true Treasure, who alone can make me happy in time and eternity.
Recite nine Hail Marys.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: As above.
Day Three: Charity
Saint Gerard, bright seraph of love, who, despising all earthly love, consecrated your life to the service of God and your neighbor, promoting God’s glory in your lowly state, and ever ready to assist the distressed and console the sorrowful, obtain for me, I beseech you, that loving God the only good and my neighbor for His sake, I may be hereafter united to Him forever in glory.
Recite nine Hail Marys.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: As above.
Day Four: Purity
Saint Gerard, spotless lily of purity, by the angelic virtue and your wonderful innocence of life, you received from the Infant Jesus and His Immaculate Mother sweet pledges of tender love, grant, I beseech you, that I may ever strive manfully in my lifelong fight, and thus win the crown that awaits the brave and the true.
Recite nine Hail Marys.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: As above.
Day Five: Obedience
Saint Gerard, model of holy obedience, who through your life heroically submitted your judgment to those who represent Jesus Christ, thus sanctifying your lowliest actions, obtain for me from God cheerful submission to His Holy Will and the virtue of perfect obedience, that I may be made conformable to Jesus, my Model, who was obedient even to death.
Recite nine Hail Marys.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: As above.
Day Six: Humility
Saint Gerard, most perfect imitator of Jesus Our Redeemer, whose greatest glory was to be humble and lowly, obtain that I too, knowing my littleness in God’s sight, may be found worthy to enter the kingdom that is promised to the humble and lowly of heart.
Recite nine Hail Marys.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: As above.
Day Seven: Patience
Saint Gerard, unconquered hero, most patient in suffering, who gloried in infirmity and under slander and most cruel ignominy rejoiced to suffer with Christ, obtain for me patience and resignation in my sorrows, that I may bravely bear the cross that is to gain for me the crown of everlasting glory.
Recite nine Hail Marys.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: As above.
Day Eight: Eucharistic Love
Saint Gerard, true lover of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, who knelt long hours before the Tabernacle and there tasted the joys of paradise, obtain for me an undying love for the Most Holy Sacrament, that receiving frequently the Body and Blood of Jesus, I may daily grow in His holy love and merit the priceless grace of loving Him even to the end.
Recite nine Hail Marys.
V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: As above.
Day Nine: Devotion to Mary
O great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of the Mother of God, enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love. O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you bore, like your Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child I carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the purifying waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Recite three Hail Marys.

7 Real-Life Stories

These stories reflect reported miracles and answered prayers attributed to St. Gerard Majella, drawn from devotee testimonies and Catholic tradition.

Miracle of the Handkerchief
A young girl kept a handkerchief St. Gerard gave her, saying she might need it someday. Years later, pregnant and in dangerous labor, she placed the handkerchief on her abdomen, and her pain subsided, leading to a healthy delivery.
Safe Delivery in 2021
A woman prayed the novena during a difficult pregnancy in 2021. Despite a challenging C-section, she delivered a healthy son on St. Augustine’s feast day, crediting St. Gerard’s intercession.
Healing at 21 Weeks
A couple received a dire prognosis for their unborn child but prayed the novena. On the final day, an ultrasound revealed a miraculous healing at 21 weeks, attributed to St. Gerard.
Corrected Diagnosis
In 2024, a mother prayed the novena when her unborn son was diagnosed with a rare cyst requiring surgery. On the seventh day, a sonogram showed the cyst was less severe, and the baby was accepted for treatment at a specialized hospital.
Healthy Fourth Grandson
A grandmother prayed the novena for her daughter’s high-risk pregnancy. The baby was born healthy, and the family thanked St. Gerard for his powerful intercession.
Fertility Answered
A woman struggling with infertility prayed the novena and conceived shortly after, attributing the blessing to St. Gerard’s prayers for her family.
Protection During Childbirth
A mother in the 1950s, facing complications, prayed to St. Gerard. Her delivery was unexpectedly smooth, and her child was baptized, which she credited to the saint’s aid.

7 Bible Stories

These Bible stories align with themes of protection, faith, and divine intervention, resonating with St. Gerard’s patronage.

Birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
Hannah, barren and sorrowful, prays for a child. God grants her Samuel, whom she dedicates to His service, reflecting hope in fertility.
Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25)
Elizabeth, elderly and barren, conceives John through God’s grace, showing divine intervention in childbirth.
Healing of the Hemorrhaging Woman (Mark 5:25-34)
A woman touches Jesus’ cloak and is healed, demonstrating faith in divine protection, akin to St. Gerard’s handkerchief miracle.
Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21-43)
Jesus raises a young girl from death, offering hope and protection to families, like St. Gerard’s care for mothers.
Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7)
Sarah, past childbearing age, gives birth to Isaac, fulfilling God’s promise, paralleling St. Gerard’s aid in fertility.
Protection of Baby Moses (Exodus 2:1-10)
Moses is saved from death by his mother’s faith and God’s providence, reflecting St. Gerard’s protection of children.
The Visitation (Luke 1:39-56)
Mary visits Elizabeth, both pregnant through God’s grace, highlighting divine care for mothers and unborn children.

7 Comments by People

These comments are drawn from testimonies shared by devotees, reflecting their faith in St. Gerard Majella.

“I prayed the novena during my pregnancy in 2021. My C-section was tough, but my son was born healthy on St. Augustine’s feast day. Thank you, St. Gerard!”
“We got a scary prognosis at 21 weeks, but after the novena, our baby was healed. St. Gerard’s intercession is miraculous!”
“My daughter’s baby had a cyst, but on the seventh day of the novena, the diagnosis improved. St. Gerard guided us to the right hospital!”
“I prayed for a safe delivery last year. On the novena’s final day, my healthy baby was born. St. Gerard never fails!”
“Struggling with infertility, I prayed to St. Gerard. I’m now pregnant, and I know it’s his prayers!”
“My grandson was born healthy after a risky pregnancy. We prayed the novena, and St. Gerard protected them!”
“I’m praying this novena for my daughter’s delivery. I trust St. Gerard to keep her and the baby safe!”

10 Bible Verses

These verses emphasize faith, protection, and divine care, aligning with St. Gerard’s intercession.

Psalm 127:3 – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Luke 1:13 – “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son.”
Isaiah 66:9 – “Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth? says the Lord.”
Mark 5:34 – “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Genesis 21:1 – “The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.”
Luke 1:45 – “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil.”
Psalm 34:7 – “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”
Matthew 18:10 – “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

The Novena to St. Gerard Majella is a beloved devotion, especially among expectant mothers and those seeking fertility. Traditionally prayed from October 7 to October 16, it involves daily recitation of the novena prayers, often with nine Hail Marys, and meditation on St. Gerard’s virtues: faith, detachment, charity, purity, obedience, humility, patience, Eucharistic love, and devotion to Mary. Devotees may attend Mass, receive the Eucharist, or venerate St. Gerard’s relics, such as his handkerchief, which is linked to childbirth miracles. Many wear St. Gerard medals or join the St. Gerard League, a Redemptorist devotion for families. The novena is accompanied by acts of charity, reflecting St. Gerard’s care for the poor, and hymns like “O Good St. Gerard, Powerful Intercessor.”

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

These saints’ stories reflect themes of faith, protection, or care for families, aligning with St. Gerard’s patronage.

St. Gianna Beretta Molla (1922–1962)
A mother and doctor, Gianna chose to risk her life to save her unborn child, refusing cancer treatment. She died after childbirth, a model of sacrificial love, like St. Gerard’s care for mothers.
St. Zelie Martin (1831–1877)
Mother of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Zelie suffered the loss of four children but raised five daughters as nuns. Her faith in God’s plan mirrors St. Gerard’s trust in divine will.
St. Joachim (1st Century BC)
Father of the Virgin Mary, Joachim prayed for a child despite infertility. God granted him Mary, reflecting St. Gerard’s intercession for conception.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounter with People

These Gospel accounts highlight Jesus’ care and healing, resonating with St. Gerard’s intercession.

Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Luke 7:1-10)
A centurion’s faith leads Jesus to heal his servant from a distance, showing divine care for those in need.
The Widow of Nain’s Son (Luke 7:11-17)
Jesus raises a widow’s only son from death, restoring hope to a grieving mother, like St. Gerard’s aid to families.
Healing of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)
Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man, demonstrating His power to heal body and soul.
The Canaanite Woman’s Daughter (Matthew 15:21-28)
A woman’s persistent faith leads Jesus to heal her possessed daughter, reflecting trust in intercession.
Healing of the Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, who restores his sight, showing faith’s power to receive divine aid.

10 Prophetic Declarations

These declarations are inspired by hope in St. Gerard’s intercession, invoking God’s blessings.

I declare that through St. Gerard’s prayers, my family is blessed with health and protection.
I proclaim that God grants safe deliveries to expectant mothers through St. Gerard’s aid.
By Christ’s power, I am freed from all fears, trusting in St. Gerard’s intercession.
I declare that my children are shielded by God’s angels, guided by St. Gerard.
I proclaim that fertility and hope are restored through St. Gerard’s prayers.
I declare that every trial I face is overcome by God’s grace through St. Gerard.
I proclaim that my faith grows stronger, inspired by St. Gerard’s example.
I declare that my intentions in this novena are answered according to God’s will.
I proclaim that I live with humility and charity, following St. Gerard’s virtues.
I declare that I am under St. Gerard’s protection, walking in God’s favor.

10 Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

These are inspired prophetic words, reflecting guidance priests might offer in this devotion, based on Catholic tradition.

“St. Gerard leads you to Jesus, who protects mothers and children in His love.”
“Your prayers through this novena will bring God’s peace to your family.”
“Through St. Gerard’s intercession, God will answer your heartfelt petitions.”
“Trust in St. Gerard’s care, for he watches over expectant mothers with love.”
“The Lord hears your cries through St. Gerard; your miracle is near.”
“Offer your fears to St. Gerard, and he will guide you to Christ’s heart.”
“St. Gerard’s faith will inspire you to trust in God’s perfect plan.”
“Your devotion to St. Gerard will bear fruit in blessings for your family.”
“Through St. Gerard’s prayers, God will heal and restore your hope.”
“St. Gerard calls you to imitate his humility and love for Jesus and Mary.”

10 Prayer Points

These prayer points are designed for use during the novena, focusing on needs addressed by St. Gerard.

Pray for expectant mothers, that they may have safe pregnancies and deliveries.
Ask for healing for women struggling with infertility, through St. Gerard’s intercession.
Seek protection for unborn children, that they may be born healthy.
Pray for families facing challenges, that St. Gerard may bring them peace.
Request strength to live a life of faith, humility, and charity like St. Gerard.
Ask for good confessions, guided by St. Gerard’s patronage of penitents.
Pray for those falsely accused, that St. Gerard may defend their innocence.
Seek deeper love for the Eucharist, inspired by St. Gerard’s devotion.
Pray for the poor and suffering, that St. Gerard may intercede for their needs.
Ask for acceptance of God’s will, trusting in St. Gerard’s example of obedience.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation on St. Gerard Majella

Find a quiet space, perhaps with an image of St. Gerard Majella, often depicted with a cross or a lily, symbolizing his faith and purity. Light a candle to represent Christ’s light, which St. Gerard reflected. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and invite God’s presence into your heart.

Picture St. Gerard as a young Redemptorist, humbly serving others despite his frail health. Reflect on his life of charity, giving to the poor, and his miracles, like the handkerchief that saved a mother and child. Imagine him kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament, his heart ablaze with love for Jesus and Mary.

Meditate on Psalm 127:3: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Consider your intentions—safe childbirth, fertility, or other needs. Place them in St. Gerard’s hands, trusting his intercession before God’s throne, as he did for countless mothers.

Visualize a pregnant mother, anxious but hopeful, praying with St. Gerard’s handkerchief. Feel her relief as her child is born safely, a miracle through his prayers. Ask St. Gerard to intercede for your needs, imitating his faith and humility.

Slowly pray three Hail Marys, focusing on “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners.” Thank St. Gerard for his intercession. Rest in his protective presence, confident that he guides you to Jesus and Mary, the source of all blessings.

Sources:

Novena prayers adapted from catholicdoors.com, praymorenovenas.com, and ewtn.com.
Real-life stories drawn from catholicnovenaapp.com and Redemptorist testimonies.
Bible stories and verses selected from Scripture, emphasizing protection and faith.
Saint stories sourced from Catholic hagiographies and praymorenovenas.com.
Prophetic declarations and words crafted in the spirit of Catholic devotion to St. Gerard.
Devotional details from redemptorists.co.uk and redcoms.org.