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St. Gerard was born in Muro, a small town in the
South of Italy on April 6, 1726. He was the only son of Benedetta and
Comenico Maiella who already had three daughters. Because of his
frail health he was not immediately accepted into the
 Order but, due to
his insistence and persistence he was finally accepted in May of 1749 and
became a lay brother of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
He was a model of obedience and in everything he sought the Will of
God. During his apprenticeship he performed many miracles. He
is known especially for his “Motherhood” miracles. Although no
one has officially been designated as the Patron of Mothers, the title has
been given to him by popular acclaim in many countries, including the
United States. St. Gerard died in October, 1755, at age 29.
In 1977, St. Gerard's chapel in St. Lucy's Church
was dedicated as a national shrine. Each year during our Feast days
which include October 16th, there are the traditional lights, music, food
stands and the street procession, it is apparent that this Feast is a
spiritual exercise with all of the essential activity centered around the
‘Saint’ and the Chapel. Devotees visit the Shrine also
throughout the year to pray to and petition the help of this Miraculous
Wonder Worker.
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