The Handkerchief and Expectant Mothers

From the St. Gerard Majella Novena

Sacred Scripture: Luke 1:42

Meditation for Day 6

According to the most famous account of his patronage, shortly before his death Gerard let a girl keep a handkerchief he had dropped, telling her she 'may need it someday.' Years later, facing a dangerous labor, she had the handkerchief applied to her and safely delivered a healthy child. From this Saint Gerard became the patron of expectant mothers.

Today is the heart of this novena. Place into Saint Gerard's hands every mother and child for whom you pray.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Psalm 139:13-14

You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.

This psalm of the child knit together in the womb (New American Bible) may be prayed as the daily closing of the novena.