Saint Gerard’s Life and Legacy

Death and canonization

Gerard’s frail body was not as strong as his soul. He died in Materdomini the night of October 15, 1755, at the age of twenty-nine. He was beatified by Leo XIII on January 29, 1893, and canonized by Pius X on December 11, 1904, and proclaimed the patron saint of expectant mothers.

Mothers always expect the best for their children and continue to offer them loving service by comforting, caring, nurturing, educating, and protecting them throughout their lives. Thus in moments of great struggle, when it is difficult to know what to do, it is important to call on Saint Gerard as the patron of all expectant mothers.