St. Gerard Majella

In this episode, Tom Shrewsbury delves into the life and legacy of St. Gerard Majella, exploring what it truly means to live a saintly life. St. Gerard, canonized by Pope Pius the 10th on December 11, 1904, is known as the patron saint of mothers, mothers-to-be, and children. Gerard’s early life in a small Italian village was marked by signs of his future saintliness, such as his profound love for the church and his miraculous experiences from a young age, including receiving bread from the infant Jesus in a statue’s arms.

Gerard faced numerous challenges, including being rejected from religious orders due to his frail health and undertaking rigorous spiritual practices. Despite these obstacles, his unwavering faith and dedication to living a holy life, filled with humility and service, eventually led to his acceptance into the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Gerard became renowned for his spiritual gifts, such as healing, bilocation, levitation, and experiencing ecstasies. He was particularly noted for his deep connection with children and mothers, often interceding miraculously on their behalf.

Tom emphasizes that through St. Gerard’s example, we see the power of living a life dedicated to God and the impact of such a life on others, encouraging listeners to strive for holiness in their everyday lives. The episode concludes with a prayer to St. Gerard, asking for his intercession and help in living according to God’s will, especially for mothers and children.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Sainthood and Holy Living – Tom Shrewsbury discusses the concept of sainthood, inspired by Mother Angelica’s view on leading holy lives focused on God’s priorities. [00:00:01]

Chapter 2: Early Life of St. Gerard Majella – Tom shares insights into Gerard’s childhood, marked by his deep love for the church and a miraculous event with the Virgin Mary. [00:02:12]

Chapter 3: Young Gerard’s Religious Fervor and Challenges – Gerard’s path is characterized by rejection from religious orders due to frail health, yet his resolve leads him to ultimately join the Congregation of the Most Holy Redemptor. [00:06:35]

Chapter 4: Gerard’s Religious Life and Miraculous Gifts – Gerard’s life in the monastery is highlighted by humility, miraculous gifts, and an extraordinary adherence to God’s service. [00:08:01]

Chapter 5: The Ecstasies and Levitations of St. Gerard – Tom explains the spiritual phenomena experienced by Gerard, including levitation and profound ecstasies connected to his devotion. [00:11:21]

Chapter 6: The Power of Healing and Counsel – Focusing on Gerard’s role as a healer and advisor, Tom recounts various incidents where Gerard’s intercessions were sought for spiritual guidance and miraculous cures. [00:15:41]

Chapter 7: Extraordinary Occurrences and the Impact on Others – Describing a series of incredible episodes that showcase Gerard’s spiritual influence, including bilocation and communication with animals. [00:18:29]

Chapter 8: Legacy and Canonization – Gerard’s continued impact after his death through miraculous intercessions, his canonization by Pope Pius X, and the ongoing reverence for his contributions to faith and community. [00:23:03]

St. Gerard Majella was an Italian lay brother of the Redemptorist order who lived in the 18th century. Born in 1726 in Muro Lucano, Italy, he was known for his compassion and miracles, particularly in helping expectant mothers and those experiencing difficulties in childbirth. He dedicated himself to a life of prayer, poverty, and humility, and was admired for his faith and piety. St. Gerard was known for his ability to read hearts and minds, as well as his gift of prophecy. He died at the young age of 29 in 1755 and was canonized as a saint in 1904. St. Gerard Majella is now recognized as the patron saint of expectant mothers, children, and those seeking help in pregnancy and childbirth.