As the new day dawns, let us turn our hearts to God. In prayerful silence may we open ourselves to His mercy, allow His Word to speak to us, and welcome the example of the saints as companions on our journey to holiness.
Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, You have revealed to us that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, and that Your mercy is greater than our sins. Grant us the grace to live by faith, so that in our weakness we may always rely on Your strength. Form in us hearts of humility, courage, and compassion, that we may reflect Your love to others. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Mass Readings of the Day
Thursday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
- First Reading: Romans 3:21-30 “We hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab “With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.”
- Alleluia Verse: John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
- Gospel: Luke 11:47-54 Jesus warns the scribes and Pharisees: “Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge… you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering.”
Saint of the Day
St. Gerard Majella
October 16 is the feast day of St. Gerard Majella, a beloved lay brother of the Redemptorist order, known particularly as patron of expectant mothers, children, and those falsely accused.
Gerard was born in 1726 in Muro Lucano, Italy, into a humble and devout family. His father died when Gerard was young, leaving him to help support his family. He apprenticed as a tailor and lived a quiet life of prayer and service.
Despite his desire to join religious life early, poor health prevented him from entering at first. Still, he found ways to serve and to grow in holiness. He later joined the Redemptorist Congregation as a brother (not ordained), dedicating himself to humble work, prayer, and spiritual counsel.
Many miracles and consolations are attributed to him, especially for mothers and children. His final words, posted on his cell door, were: “Here the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills.”
He died at age 29 in 1755, after a short illness, and was canonized by Pope Pius X in 1904.
His life continues to inspire devotion, especially for families and in times of pregnancy challenges.
10 Facts about St. Gerard Majella
- He was born April 6, 1726 in Muro Lucano, Italy.
- After his father’s death, Gerard helped support his family, learning tailoring.
- As a youth, he sought to join the Capuchins, but was refused due to health issues.
- He served as a domestic help at one point for the Bishop of Lacedonia.
- Later he joined the Redemptorist Congregation (as a lay brother) rather than as a priest.
- He became known for his humility, charity, and patient suffering, often doing menial labor in the convent.
- Many miracles are attributed to his intercession, notably involving pregnancy, childbirth, and protection of children.
- He is especially venerated as the patron saint of expectant mothers, unborn children, and researchers of “impossible” causes.
- His final testament was inscribed on his cell door, capturing his surrender: “Here the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills.”
- He died on October 16, 1755 at the age of 29, and was canonized December 11, 1904, by Pope Pius X.
