Saint Gerard Majella was born on April 6, 1726
On April 6, 1726, in Muro Lucano, a small town in Southern Italy, Gerard Majella was born, the youngest son of a tailor. No one could have imagined then that this frail and sickly child would become one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic tradition, especially in Italy. He entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, founded by Saint Alphonsus Liguori, and in just ten years of religious life—he died at the age of 29 in 1755—he left an indelible mark through his radical evangelicalism, his love for the poor, and his extraordinary charisms.
Three hundred years after his birth, the Redemptorist Congregation is celebrating this jubilee with numerous events worldwide, bringing together confreres, religious, lay missionaries, and entire communities under the example of this saint of the people. In Spain and throughout the Americas, the celebrations have a special significance: it is the devotees themselves, ordinary people, poor communities, and university students who organize various activities to honor the Redemptorist saint.
In SPAIN: Crazy in love with you
The parish in Madrid that bears his name has planned a full year of activities, prayers, gatherings, and celebrations to commemorate Saint Gerard, a religious figure who left a lasting mark and continues to do so in the 21st century. Many people have placed their trust in him and entrusted him with their deepest feelings. The Redemptorists of Madrid have chosen the motto “Madly in Love for You” to reflect on his example and the “madness of love” that comes with following the Lord. The celebrations begin on Easter Monday, April 6, with an opening Mass for this Jubilee Year.
San Gerardo Parish — 45 Maqueda Street, Madrid https://parroquiasangerardo.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Parroquia-San-Gerardo-Mayela-181043375322817/
In ARGENTINA: a heart that keeps beating
The Parish of Saint Gerard in Tucumán, belonging to the Province of Peter Donders, has proposed a path toward the Tricentenary of his birth—April 6, 2026—reflecting on the meaning of Saint Gerard’s life: although he died young, he lived his 29 years with intensity and dedication. Therefore, even though 300 years have passed, we feel a heart that continues to beat. Saint Gerard never missed an opportunity to love, help, serve, and above all, to be united with God. May his life be an inspiration to seek spaces for prayer and to be available to lend a hand whenever someone needs it.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064434532140
In PARAGUAY: celebrating life like Saint Gerard
The Parish of Saint Gerard of Asunción celebrates the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard Majella this Monday, April 6th. Following several preparatory meetings to learn about the life of the Redemptorist saint, the day will begin with Holy Mass and continue with a Folkloric Festival, featuring artistic performances of singing, dancing, and much more. The entire community is preparing to celebrate this important anniversary together.
https://www.facebook.com/sangerardoasuncion
In BRAZIL: persistence in the face of God’s call
Many of the communities where the Redemptorists work in Brazil have proposed commemorating some of the saint’s defining characteristics. Gerard was persistent in the face of God’s call: he did not fear rejection, weariness, or detachment. He simply accepted his vocation and followed Jesus. With this spirit of fidelity, the celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth becomes a feast of faith and service. To learn more about the saint’s life, the Redemptorist website a12.com offers abundant resources .
In Haiti: Building a future in hope
Celebrating Saint Gerard means embracing the past, but also—and above all—building a present and a future in hope. The Redemptorists in Haiti are missionaries of hope in a very difficult reality. For Haitian Christians, Saint Gerard is the example of a poor man among the poor, who knew how to serve and follow Jesus. The jubilee celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth will take place at Saint Gerard Parish in Carrefour-Feuilles, Port-au-Prince.
https://www.facebook.com/psaintgerard
On this journey towards the 300th anniversary of his birth, let us ask Saint Gerard for a heart with God present and full of love to give.
Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, you who are in the communion of saints with Saint Gerard, pray for the Redemptorist missionaries that they may persevere in their vocation and mission, accompany their families, and awaken in the hearts of young people the desire to follow Jesus in religious life. Amen.
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