Saint Gerard Majella (1726-1755) was a Redemptorist lay brother of remarkable holiness, known for ecstasies, bilocation, and reading of hearts. Falsely accused and bearing it in silence, he was later vindicated. Through an incident with a handkerchief he gave to a family, he became the celebrated patron of expectant mothers and a great intercessor for safe childbirth.

October 16

• expectant mothers
• childbirth
• the unborn

Canonized

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