O great Saint Gerard, beloved
servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and
devoted child of Mother of God, enkindle within my heart one spark of that
heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of
love.
O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused
of crime, you did bear, like your Divine Master, without murmur or complaint,
the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the patron and
protector of expectant mothers.
Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains
accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see
the light of day and receive the purifying and life-giving waters of baptism
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.