A DAY IN HONOUR OF ST GERARD MAJELLA C.SSR

THE MOTHERS' SAINT

📅 Date: 25th April 2026

📍 Location: Bishop Eton Church & the Fisher-More Hall

Click on the images of links below to learn more

FR TIM SETS THE SCENE

April 6^th this year marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of St Gerard Majella and all over the world Redemptorists are inviting the faithful to thank God for their remarkable Lay Brother who, in spite poor health and a short life of just 29 years, left his mark on the world. As Patron Saint of mothers and babies, his intercession continues to be invoked by families in all their different needs. Even during his lifetime his fame as a man of God who could work wonders had become legendary. However, what established his special association with the family was the remarkable recovery of a mother and her child when prior to the birth both were expected to die. The mother recalled the occasion when she had picked up Gerard’s handkerchief and he had advised her to keep it because she may find herself in need of it.

As Redemptorists we are constantly being reminded of how many people even in today’s world are grateful for the intercession of St Gerard. We hope that our day of celebration on April 25^th will often them a wonderful opportunity to thank God for St Gerard and ask many more blessings on them and their families, as well as introducing St Gerard to others who may not be aware of his story.

Please see below a programme of events throughout the day, including a lunchtime Mass led by Archbishop John Sherrington. The church will be open all day and a team of Redemptorists and parishioners will be available to ensure that all those who wish may reverence the relic of St Gerard and receive medals and prayer cards.

Of course, like most of the saints, St Gerard had great devotions to the Blessed Sacrament and to our Blessed Lady. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at certain times during the day, and, of course, Bishop Eton also houses a famous Shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour: in fact we treasure the fact that the first copy of the icon to leave Rome after Pope Pius IX entrusted the original to the Redemptorists in 1866 came to the monastery here in Liverpool and this will also be on display on the day.

Light refreshments will be available through the day in the adjacent parish hall. We look forward to welcoming you and your families for this very special occasion.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Click on the image below for a pdf you can download

INVITATION TO JOIN IN:

At 7.00pm on 25 April there will be an open Taizé-Style Service of Reflection and Song to close The Day of Celebration for St Gerard, including short readings on the themes of Family, Hope and Thanksgiving. The service is open to everyone to come and share their intentions or simply pray and reflect in Christian companionship.

We hope to see as many of you as possible on this special evening.