Prière Introductive
Introductory Prayer
To be said each day
O glorious Saint Gerard, who, like unto the Saviour, didst bear a great love for children and by thy prayers didst free many from disease and even from death; graciously look down upon us who invoke thee. We thank God for the great graces bestowed upon thee, and we ask thee to be our patron and protector. By thy powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to bring up our children in the fear and love of God, and to preserve the innocent from the dangers of the world. In a special manner, we implore thy assistance in the favor we now ask through this novena.
(Here mention your intention.)
Jour 1 : Conformity to the Will of God
Méditation
Let us meditate on the perfect submission of Saint Gerard to the will of God. In all things, whether in joy or in sorrow, in health or in sickness, his constant sentiment was that which he had written upon the door of his cell: ‘Here the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills.’ He saw in every event the loving hand of his Heavenly Father, and thus found peace in every trial. Let us learn from him to abandon ourselves entirely to Divine Providence, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God.
Prière du jour
O most humble Saint Gerard, who didst find thy joy in the perfect accomplishment of God’s holy will, obtain for me the grace to accept with a like spirit of submission all the dispositions of Divine Providence. Help me to see God’s hand in the crosses of my life and to say with thee in every circumstance, ‘Thy will be done.’ Intercede for me, that I may obtain the special favor I seek in this novena, if it be in accordance with this most holy will. Amen.
Jour 2 : Patience in Suffering
Méditation
Consider the heroic patience of Saint Gerard when he was falsely accused of a most grievous sin. Instead of defending himself, he remained silent, after the example of his Divine Master, and bore the calumny with unalterable meekness. He suffered suspension from the sacraments and the scorn of his brethren, trusting that God, in His own time, would make his innocence known. This trial served but to purify his soul and unite him more closely to the Crucified Christ. Let us ask for the grace to bear our own trials with patience and resignation.
Prière du jour
O glorious Saint Gerard, model of patience and victim of calumny, who didst suffer in silence for the love of Jesus, teach me how to bear my afflictions with a patient and forgiving heart. Strengthen me in my trials, that I may not grow weary or faint of heart, but may unite my small sufferings with the great Passion of Our Lord. Through thy powerful intercession, grant me the grace I humbly implore in this novena. Amen.
Jour 3 : Love for the Blessed Sacrament
Méditation
Saint Gerard was consumed with a burning love for Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. He spent hours in adoration before the tabernacle, which he called his ‘paradise on earth.’ His heart leaped with joy at the mere thought of Holy Communion, and he was often seen rapt in ecstasy after receiving his Lord. This profound Eucharistic devotion was the source of his strength and the fire that fueled his apostolic zeal. Let us strive to imitate his love and reverence for this greatest of all mysteries.
Prière du jour
O seraphic Saint Gerard, whose heart was a furnace of love for Jesus in the Eucharist, enkindle in my soul a fervent devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Obtain for me the grace to approach the Holy Table with greater purity of heart, and to visit our hidden Lord in the tabernacle with faith and love. May my life, like thine, be centered on this mystery of love. Through thy merits, I beg thee to present my petition to Jesus in the Eucharist, that He may grant the favor I seek. Amen.
Jour 4 : Devotion to our Blessed Mother
Méditation
From his earliest childhood, Saint Gerard cherished a tender and filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He called her his ‘beloved Mother’ and his ‘sweetheart.’ He placed all his confidence in her, and she, in turn, showered him with singular favors. It was she who guided him, protected him, and obtained for him the grace of his religious vocation. He sought to imitate her virtues, especially her humility and purity, and promoted devotion to her wherever he went. Let us place ourselves, like Saint Gerard, under the mantle of our heavenly Queen.
Prière du jour
O faithful servant of Mary, Saint Gerard, who didst find in her a mother and a guide, teach me to love her with a like filial tenderness. Obtain for me a true devotion to the Mother of God, that I may have recourse to her in all my necessities and strive to imitate her virtues. I place the intention of this novena in her maternal hands; do thou, O good Saint Gerard, join thy prayers to hers, that I may obtain the grace for which I plead. Amen.
Jour 5 : The Patron of Mothers
Méditation
Saint Gerard is known throughout the world as the special patron of expectant mothers. This patronage stems from a miracle wrought through a handkerchief he had left behind in the home of a friend. A young woman in grave danger during childbirth was saved, and her child born safely, after this handkerchief was placed upon her. Since that time, countless mothers have experienced his powerful help in the trials of pregnancy and the perils of childbirth. He is a sure refuge for those who desire the gift of children and a protector for those who carry new life within them.
Prière du jour
O powerful Saint Gerard, special patron of mothers and of those who long to be mothers, look with compassion upon thy servants. Thou who didst obtain from God the grace of motherhood for the sterile and didst protect the expectant in their time of trial, hear our prayers. We ask thee to bless all families, to protect the unborn, and to assist all mothers in their sacred duty. Grant, we beseech thee, the particular grace we seek, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Amen.
Jour 6 : Charity Towards the Poor
Méditation
The charity of Saint Gerard knew no bounds. He saw the image of Christ in every poor and suffering person he met. He gave away his own food, his clothing, and whatever else he possessed to relieve their needs. By the power of God, he often multiplied bread for the hungry and worked other wonders to assist the destitute. His heart was a treasure-house of compassion, and he never tired of serving the least of Christ’s brethren. Let us ask for a share in his generous and compassionate spirit.
Prière du jour
O charitable Saint Gerard, who didst love the poor with the heart of Christ Himself, obtain for me a spirit of true Christian charity. Banish from my heart all selfishness and indifference to the needs of others. Help me to be generous with my time, my talents, and my possessions, for the relief of the poor and the suffering. Through thy intercession, may I obtain the favor I ask, and the greater grace of a heart full of love for God and my neighbor. Amen.
Jour 7 : The Apostle of the Confessional
Méditation
Though only a lay brother, Saint Gerard was a powerful instrument for the conversion of sinners. Gifted by God with the ability to read hearts, he brought many souls back to the path of virtue. He would often reveal to hardened sinners their hidden faults, not to shame them, but to move them to a sincere repentance and a good confession. He understood the infinite mercy of God and burned with a desire to bring souls to this fount of grace. Let us seek his help to make our own confessions with greater sincerity and contrition.
Prière du jour
O zealous Saint Gerard, who didst guide so many souls to the sacrament of reconciliation, assist me in my own spiritual life. Obtain for me the grace to know my sins, to be truly sorry for them, and to confess them with humility and sincerity. Protect me from the snares of the devil, and help me to amend my life and persevere in grace. I commend to thee my present petition, confident in thy powerful intercession. Amen.
Jour 8 : Humility of Heart
Méditation
Humility was the foundation of Saint Gerard’s sanctity. He had a profound knowledge of his own nothingness and of the infinite greatness of God. He considered himself the least of all, a useless servant, and rejoiced when he was overlooked or treated with contempt. He fled from all praise and honor, seeking only to be hidden in the heart of God. It was this deep humility that made him so pleasing to the Lord and so powerful an instrument in His hands. Let us beg for this most necessary and beautiful virtue.
Prière du jour
O humble Saint Gerard, who didst learn in the school of Christ to be meek and humble of heart, obtain for me the precious gift of humility. Deliver me from the poison of pride, vanity, and self-love. Teach me to know myself as I truly am before God, to rejoice in my own littleness, and to seek not my own glory but the glory of God. Through thy humble prayers, may I obtain the favor for which I now pray. Amen.
Jour 9 : Unbounded Confidence in God
Méditation
On this final day, let us consider the unwavering confidence Saint Gerard placed in God. In every need, in every difficulty, he turned to his Heavenly Father with the simple, trusting faith of a child. He never doubted God’s love or His power to help. This boundless confidence was the secret of his miracles and the source of his unshakeable peace. He teaches us that for those who trust in God, nothing is impossible. Let us conclude our novena by renewing our own trust in God’s merciful providence.
Prière du jour
O model of lively faith, Saint Gerard, who didst place all thy trust in the loving providence of God, strengthen my weak faith. Increase my confidence in God’s mercy and power. In this, my pressing need, I turn to thee with hope. I have laid my petition before God for nine days; now, with a heart full of trust, I await His holy will. Intercede for me, O powerful wonder-worker, that I may receive the favor I ask, or the grace to accept whatever God lovingly ordains for my salvation. Amen.
Prière Conclusive
Concluding Prayer
To be said each day
O Saint Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder-worker of our own day, I call upon thee and seek thy aid. Thou who didst ever fulfill God’s designs on earth, help me to do the holy Will of God. Beseech the Master of Life, from Whom all paternity proceedeth, to render me fruitful in offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life and heirs to the kingdom of His glory in the world to come. Amen.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Contexte Historique
Neuvaine structurée en 9 jours.