CHAIN IS NOT INCLUDED Available in Solid 14K Yellow or White Gold, or in Sterling Silver Size Reference: 17mm is the size of a US dime 21mm is the size of a US nickel 24mm is the size of a US quarter Saint Gerard Majella is a Catholic saint. He is a saint whose intercession is requested for children (and unborn children in particular); childbirth; mothers (and expectant mothers in particular); motherhood; falsely accused people; good confessions; lay brothers; and Muro Lucano, Italy. Gerard was born as Gerardo Maiella on April 6, 1726 in Muro Lucano, Italy. He was the son of a tailor who died when Gerard was 12, leaving the family in poverty. Gerard tried to join the Capuchin order, but his health prevented it. He was accepted as a Redemptorist lay brother serving his congregation as sacristan, gardener, ostiarius, infirmarian, and tailor. When falsely accused by a pregnant woman of being the father of her child, he retreated to silence; she later recanted and cleared him, and thus began his association as patron of all aspects of pregnancy. He was reputed to bilocate and read consciences. His last will consisted of the following small note on the door of his cell: "Here the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills." Gerard died on October 16, 1755 at Caposele, Italy of tuberculosis. He was aged 29. St. Gerard Majella Annual Novena takes place every year in St. Josephs Church, Dundalk, Ireland. This annual nine day novena is the biggest festival of faith in Ireland.
