St. Gerard Majella Feast Day Mass
-
November 25, 2024On Sunday, October 20, 2024, for our noon Mass, the St. Martin of Tours Parish welcomed Fr. Denis Sweeney, C.Ss.R., to preside over the annual St. Gerard Majella Feast Day Mass—a heartfelt celebration dedicated to those seeking pregnancy, adoption, or a safe delivery. This tradition has continued for the past five years thanks to the encouragement of our Redemptorist Partners in Mission and the support of our pastor, Fr. Christopher Costigan.
Following Mass, Fr. Denis offered individual blessings with the relic of St. Gerard, inviting all to continue their prayers in the church’s dedicated prayer area, where icons of St. Gerard and Our Mother of Perpetual Help invite quiet reflection. In this space, the faithful can also view our book of St. Gerard Babies of St. Martin of Tours, a cherished collection of photos and testimonies from families who have experienced St. Gerard’s intercession. Each person received a blessed medal bearing the images of St. Gerard and Our Mother of Perpetual Help, along with a prayer card and pamphlet on St. Gerard’s life and legacy. This experience is a sacred opportunity that helps bring comfort and peace to those present.The demand for St. Gerard’s intercession has been growing each year. This year’s celebration was particularly grace-filled, as over 100 faithful waited up to an hour after the conclusion of Mass to receive their individual blessing with the relic. Those seeking intercession came with diverse emotions—gratitude for blessings already received, hope for pregnancy or adoption, sorrow for losses, and curiosity about this beloved saint.
Fr. Denis also presided over last year’s St. Gerard Feast Day Mass and blessings with the relic, both of which fell between the 100th anniversary of two historic dates for our parish: the first Mass held on October 14, 1923, and the consecration of the church on November 9, 1924. We are grateful for Fr. Denis’ presence at these celebrations, honoring both our centennial milestone and an enduring Redemptorist spirit. The Feast Day of St. Gerard Majella, C.Ss.R., has become a beautifully growing and treasured tradition, uniting our community in shared faith, healing, and prayer. St. Gerard Majella, continue to intercede for us! †
