Saint Gerard is the Patron Saint of Motherhood, sometimes he is also given the nickname Saint of Special Deliveries. Of course, the faithful devotees know that praying to Saint Gerard and making the Annual Novena and Feast will bring about the miracle child that they often could not conceive, but through prayerful intercession through Saint Gerard, the often impossible becomes possible.
This year mark the 118th year that the Saint Gerard feast will be celebrated at Saint Lucy’s Church in Newark, New Jersey, from Friday, October 13th through Monday, October 16th. The preparations for the Feast are already taking place and will be preceded by themed Novenas beginning at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 3rd for families affected by cancer. On Wednesday, October 4th, the theme is Thanksgiving to St. Gerard for favors received, followed by those suffering from additions on Thursday. Other Novenas include Anointing of the Sick on Friday; Blessing of Women Praying to Conceive on Monday, October 9th ; the Blessing of Expectant Mothers on Tuesday and the Blessing of Newborn Babies on Wednesday. On Thursday, October 12, the Novena is devoted to Italian American organizations. On Friday there will be a special Mass of Thanksgiving for the men and women in Blue – Fire Fighters, Police, First Responders and Correctional Officers. The Relic of St. Gerard will be venerated at each Novena Service.
On Sunday, October 15th, an 11:00 am Solemn High Mass will be attended by His Eminence Joseph William Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R.
The Processions will take place Saturday, Sunday and Monday, October 14, 15 and 16 and will leave the Church at 2:00 pm each day.
On Saturday, October 14th, Gerard Esposito will perform from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and Jersey Sound from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Sunday will feature The Steve Salerno Quartet from 12:00 – 2:00 pm; Ray Cetrell from 4:00 – 6:00 pm and Park Avenue from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. The Church is located at 118 7th Avenue in Newark, New Jersey.
