Holy Relic Visitation: Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group, 10/25/2014

Our Saint of the Month for the October meeting of Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group was the illustrious St. Gerard Majella (d. 1755), the Patron Saint of Expectant Mothers. It was appropriate, as we had recently received glad tidings from our host, Dre', that she and her hubby are expecting a new bundle of joy!   Our prayer group was very happy for the couple, as this coming child is truly an answer to a prayer that we've been offering together for several months now.

Members of our group, talking story and catching up,

before the start of the October prayer meeting.

... so the story of how St. Gerard came to be celebrated as the intercessor for mothers-to-be (his handkerchief once miraculously saved a woman's life during a difficult delivery) was of particular interest to the group... and at the same time, we also gleaned other life lessons while discussing his biography among us.

For example, Gerard was once falsely accused of having impregnated a woman in his small town, but after a period of time, the Saint was vindicated when the woman finally confessed the truth.  The Saint not only showed admirable patience during his ordeal, but he also forgave the poor woman and all the others who mistreated him because they believed the slander.  The story made us all reflect on how many times we were wronged by others... and then reacted in a less than Christian manner. May St. Gerard, inspire us to be more confident in the Lord's plan for us, and to be more patient and forgiving of others.

   

A relic from the bones of St. Gerard Majella watches over a sonogram image of the newest

member of our prayer group... and some of the dishes we enjoyed after our prayer.

The Rosary and other prayers proceeded with an "aura" of heavenly presence - perhaps a little more tangible than perceived in the past - that left us elated when the prayers ended.  Several of us remarked on how extra-wonderful this month's meeting was... and then our fellowship dinner was, again, comprised of a variety of savory ethnic dishes - pork adobo, teriyaki chicken, chinese noodles, etc. - and topped off by Dre's awesome bread pudding.

Thanks be to God, for His gift of Life and generous provisions from His Bounty.