O great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your
meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of Mother of God, enkindle within my
heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and
made you an angel of love.
O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like
your Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men,
you have been raised
up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers.
Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth,
and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive
the purifying and life-giving waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
