On Saturday, September 7, 2025, the solemn reception of the relics of Saint Gerard Majella, Redemptorist and religious brother, took place at the Parish of the Most Holy Redeemer in Grodno. The celebration was presided over by the Most Reverend Vladimir Hulakh, Bishop of the Diocese of Grodno.
In his homily, the bishop recalled that Saint Gerard, born in 1726 in Muro Lucano, Italy, was a charismatic religious man, despite living only 29 years. He also emphasized that Saint Gerard is the patron saint of pregnant women, of couples seeking the gift of motherhood, and of good confession.
The liturgy was presided over by the parish choir “Vox Domini.” Altar servers, girls from the liturgical group, and scouts also participated, contributing their prayers and service. Members of the 28 Rosary communities present in the parish served as lectors, prepared the prayer of the faithful, and led the offertory procession.
At the end of the Mass, the bishop imparted a special blessing to all those present with the relics of Saint Gerard.
We deeply believe that our religious brother, Saint Gerard, watches over our parish community in a special way. His relics are now a visible sign of his spiritual closeness. Several couples from the city of Grodno have already testified to having received the gift of motherhood after praying to God through the intercession of Saint Gerard. Glory to the Lord!
Fr. Andrzej Jodkowski, CSsR, Grodno
Source: www.redemptor.pl
The Redemptorists in Grodno
The Redemptorists began their pastoral presence in Grodno in 1992, following the fall of the Soviet Union, which allowed the Catholic Church to resume its activity. The Parish of the Most Holy Redeemer, located in the Dziewiatówka district, was officially founded in 1994 by Bishop Aleksander Kaszkiewicz. The current parish church was consecrated in 2011.
The parish encompasses a large residential area (approximately 60,000 inhabitants) and 11 surrounding villages, making it one of the largest parish communities in the region. The Redemptorists carry out extensive pastoral activities: catechism, spiritual retreats, prayer groups, and youth ministry. They are supported by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
