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St. Gerard Majella Special Page

Oil dedicated to St Gerard Majella on prayer cloth

The Oil dedicated to St Gerard Majella on prayer cloth is in honour of the saint who is the patron of expectant mothers. He was born in 1726 in Muro, Italy. Shortly after his father’s death, his mother sent him away to live with his uncle and learn to become a tailor.  Later,  Majella took on a job with the local Bishop of Lacedonia as a servant.

As the days passed, Majella began to grow pale and thin, often fasting and in prayer at a nearby Cathedral.

He applied to the Capuchin monastery at Muro twice, but was turned down both times.  In 1749, at the age of 23, he joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Three years later he became a professed lay brother.

Life as a Redemptorist

Majella lived with the three vows of Poverty, Chasity and Obedience. Majella was often called on by the poor and the sick. Wherever his presence was demanded he graciously presented himself. He was there to “do the Will of God.”

This humble servant of God also had faculties associated with certain mystics including, levitation, bi-location and the ability to read souls.  Throughout his years of life, several reported miracles are tied to Majella including, restoring a boy’s life after he fell from a high cliff

Along with his miracles effected through prayers for woman in labor, Majella’s last recorded miracle is one that many credit toward his becoming the patron of expectant mothers. Shortly before his death, Majella encountered a young girl. He had dropped his handkerchief and she set out to return it, only to be told to keep it. Majella told her she “may need it someday.” Years after Majella’s passing, the young girl became married and with child. She unexpectedly went into labor and was on the verge of losing her baby. She called for Majella’s handkerchief to be applied to her. Almost immediately, her pain abated and she proceeded to give birth to a healthy child, something very rare during that time.

Tradition of oils

The tradition of anointing with sacred oil is very old indeed. It is used in sacraments and also as a devotional practice. The sick person applies the oil and blesses themselves.  As they do so, they are asked to pray to whomever the oil is dedicated to. The Irish blessings oils do not have miraculous power.  It is God who has the power to heal.  Applying the oil while praying are important ways for us to express our faith in God’s power. Moreover, by doing so we place our trust in God.