St Gerard Majella

Gerard was born in Muro, Italy, in 1726, and joined the Redemptorists at the age of 23.

He served as Sacristan, gardener, porter, infirmarian and tailor. Because of his great piety, wisdom and his gift of reading consciences, he was permitted to counsel communities of religious women.

As a result of a miracle effected through his prayers for a woman in labour, he was made patroness of expectant mothers.

He enjoyed several of the other Gifts of the Holy Spirit including levitation and bi-location (being in two places at once).

He contracted Tuberculosis and died in 1755, aged only 29.

He was canonised by Pope St Pius X in 1904.