Saint Gerard’s Life and Legacy

A man of many miracles

Gerard is best known for his miracles. Stories have been passed down from generation to generation, and Saint Gerard is said to have performed miracles similar to those of of Christ, Elijah, and other figures found in the Old Testament. Through his miracles, Gerard mirrored the face of Christ to others. He could read hearts, often fell into ecstasy, and was reported to have levitated and bi-located.

Perhaps the most famous miracle attributed to Saint Gerard’s intercession involves a mother in danger of death during childbirth. One day Gerard was leaving the home of the Pirofalo family. A daughter noticed Gerard had forgotten his handkerchief. When she tried to give it to him, he told her to keep it because it would prove useful to her one day.

Years later, while experiencing great difficulty in giving birth, almost to the point of death, the woman asked for the handkerchief. After she received it, the birth proceeded with no further complications. Many women began asking for the handkerchief and the prayers of Saint Gerard to assist them in having a safe childbirth. And so it is that he became known as the patron saint of expectant mothers.