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St. Gerard-Patron Saint of Expectant Mothers

© Maurenne Griese

I wanted to share a story with you all about a woman who taught me a lot about faith. I work as needed as a L & D nurse and breastfeeding consultant at our local military hospital and had the honor to care for a very unique woman this weekend. She was giving birth to her seventh child and is a devout Roman Catholic. She and her family worship over 40 miles away at a church where they still do Mass in Latin. She was accompanied by her husband and her oldest child, a 19-year-old daughter.

In this day of women wanting to be numb for birth (a.k.a. labor epidural anesthesia), she was unique in that she focused inwardly throughout her labor and chanted the whole eight hours the Prayer for Safe Delivery, followed by nine Hail Marys. She prayed to Saint Gerard, the patron saint of expectant mothers. She also said something in Latin several times throughout labor that I didn't understand. I was trying to understand all of this as it was developing, as I was brought up a Southern Baptist and am now baptized in the Lutheran faith. This chanting and praying got her through this birth without drugs and no tears! She trusted her body and God to guide her through the labor and birth of her child. My colleagues could hear her chanting and praying and wanted to know what was up. So I filled them in.

Anyway, she had two prayers, one for safe delivery and one for motherhood. They were on two little plastic cards, which she gave to me after her baby's birth to remember her by. On the front of each was a picture of Saint Gerard and the prayer was on the back. Thought you all would enjoy them as much as I did. This special lady has a special place in my heart now. If anyone wonders why anyone would want to be a nurse, remember stories like these and you will know why. Feel free to use this information and prayer in any way you see fit to help guide you spiritually through your pregnancy and birthing experience.

Prayer for Motherhood

O glorious Saint Gerard, powerful intercessor before God, and wonder worker of our day, I call upon you and seek your help. You who always fulfilled God's will on earth, help me do God's holy will. Beseech the Master of life, from whom all paternity proceeds, that I may conceive and raise children who will please God in this life, and be heirs to the kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

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