SAINT GERARD
MAJELLA
JUBILEE YEAR AND TRICENTENNIAL
ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF
A LIFE OF SIMPLICITY, PRAYER, AND CHARITY
St. Gerard was a missionary not only because of the charism of the Congregation, but because he applied his very own method of reaching out to the people.
A tailor by trade, he tried to enter the Capuchin order, but was not accepted. However, his determination to achieve sainthood led him to run away from home in search of his vocation. Despite initial rejections, he found a welcome among the Redemptorist missionaries, where he was professed as a brother and devoted his life to manual labour in the community. Throughout his life, he endured calumnies with meekness and patience. In the Sele valley, he carried out an intense apostolic work in isolated villages, distinguishing himself by his charity and dedication. He had a special gift for spiritual accompaniment, especially with the nuns who came to him for advice. His life was distinguished by simplicity, deep prayer and charity.
JUBILEE PRAYER TO SAINT GERARD
ETERNAL FATHER,
we praise and thank you for the life of Saint Gerard Majella, born 300 years ago to be a light and a sign of hope in the Church and in the world.
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JESUS, OUR REDEEMER,
we desire to follow you, inspired by the example
of Saint Gerard Majella, embracing the cross of
each day with love and humility in service to
the most abandoned, especially the poor.
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HOLY SPIRIT,
enlighten our minds and hearts to discern and fulfill the will of God with joy. Teach us to be brothers and sisters, and, with Saint Gerard, to promote fraternity and peace.
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MARY, MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP,
you who dwell in the communion of saints with
Saint Gerard, pray for the Redemptorist missionaries, that they may persevere in their vocation and mission. Bless families and awaken in the hearts of young people the desire to follow Jesus in consecrated religious life.
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Amen.