October 16, the day of Saint Gerard Magella
October 16, the day of Saint Gerard Magella, is the patron saint of motherhood and happy births. Born in Muro Lucano, Italy, in 1726, he was a Redemptorist brother known for his devotion and miracles. He began working as a tailor to support his family after the death of his father, donating heavily to the poor. Although his fragile health prevented him from entering other religious orders, he was accepted by the Redemptorists, where he performed various functions and was sought out by pregnant mothers and those seeking healing for themselves or their children. He was falsely accused of impregnating a woman in 1754, but the accuser retracted her statement and he was acquitted and became associated with the protection of pregnant women. He was known for extraordinary gifts, such as bilocation, prophecies, healings and the multiplication of food. He died in 1755, at the age of 29, due to tuberculosis. Canonized in 1904.
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