ST GERARD - THE STORY OF THE HANDKERCHIEF
On one occasion the then Gerard Majella visited the Pirofalo family. When he was leaving, his handkerchief fell to the floor. A young daughter in the family picked it up and ran after Gerard to return it to him. “Keep it,” said Gerard, “It might be useful to you one day”.
Years later, that same girl fell dangerously ill during her first pregnancy. When it appeared that neither she nor the baby would survive, she suddenly remembered St Gerard’s handkerchief and asked for it to be brought to her. As soon as she grasped it, she began to get better, and her baby was born safely.
The story has come down to us from her grandson who attested that his grandmother treasured that handkerchief as a precious relic.
The Icon in our shrine, written by one of our parishoners commemorates this story.
